The Wellness Community and HealthiNation have teamed up to develop Facing Cancer Together, the first on-demand television program focused solely on cancer. This educational video series answers the tough questions that come with cancer; builds on our library of engaging and inspiring personal stories; and features respected doctors and experts. Beginning this fall, the short-format video programs will be found on HealthiNation's national on-demand network through partners including Comcast, Verizon, Cox Communications, U.S. News and World Report, and Yahoo. Thanks to The Wellness Community of Greater Boston for spearheading this partnership and providing the programming.

HealthiNation is the first multi-platform health video network that delivers straight-talking, easy-to-understand information on your health, giving you the tools to help you live a healthier life. Whether learning about Chemotherapy, or finding a guide for eating well with cancer, you can watch these innovative videos whenever and wherever you want.

To see examples of Facing Cancer Together go to www.healthination.com/facingcancer.

Pictured: Shonda Schilling, host of Facing Cancer Together, melanoma survivor, founder of The Shade Foundation of America, and wife of Major League Baseball player Curt Schilling.

What the Garden of Hope Means to Me was the theme of the T-shirt design contest between Kids Circle participants in Westlake Village and the San Fernando Valley Satellite. A panel of judges chose the winning design from an impressive group of entries. The judges, pictured left to right, were Thomas W. Crowell, Board Chair, Barbara Hiatt, dedicated volunteer, Keets Cassar, active supporter, and Judie Willams, Board Member and recipient of the 2007 Celebration of Life award. Kids Circle facilitator Joyce Boucher, LCSW, MFT, is pictured far left, and TWCVV president Suzanne Drace is pictured far right. (Not pictured: Peggy Johnston, MA, MFT, Westlake Kids Circle co-facilitator, and Jaqueline Nederlk, MSW, San Fernando Valley Kids Circle facilitator.)

The winning design (pictured at the top of this email), by Westlake Kids Circle participant Victoria, age 8, will be printed on shirts for the Garden of Hope Groundbreaking on September 7. Victoria will also receive a brick in the garden with the engraving of her choice. Both Kids Circles will have a pizza party as a reward for their efforts. Special thanks to D'Amore's Pizza for generously donating the Westlake pizza party.

Kids Circle is a program offered by The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura for children age 5-11 who have a parent or grandparent facing cancer, with a group in Westlake Village and a bilingual group at the San Fernando Valley Satellite. Both groups are led by licensed therapists.

Participants in Kids Circle, and the other programs at The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura, will benefit from the Garden of Hope. "Kid's Circle is at full capacity and the garden allows us to provide a wonderful new outdoor learning experience," says Suzanne Drace, president of TWCVV.

Help us expand our outdoor programs for Kids Circle and other participants. Plant the Seeds of Hope and be a part of the garden by clicking here.

Join The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura for a fun outdoor summer evening of blues and soul music on Sunday, August 24, 6:00-8:00 pm at 530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village, presented by cancer survivor Francesca Capasso and her band, Some Like It Hot.

Voted one of the top 100 un-signed bands several years in a row by the Music Connection Magazine, Some Like It Hot continue to impress their audiences with top-of-the-line talent and musicianship. Bring your own blanket and picnic basket. Drinks will be provided.

Click here or call 805.379.4777 to RSVP for this fun evening.

Pictured: Cancer survivor and Some Like It Hot Frontwoman Francesca Capasso.

The Wellness Community Valley/Ventura is pleased to welcome Ruth Lever, PhD, Program Coordinator at the Ventura Satellite at Community Memorial Hospital's Cancer Resource Center.

Dr. Lever is a licensed therapist and earned her Masters Degree in Education Psychology Counseling at California State University-Northridge. She received her Doctorate Degree at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She currently teaches psychology at California Lutheran University. Dr. Lever has a broad background in the clinical and business fields, working with many nonprofit agencies, and having recently worked in a forensic program through the State Department of Mental Health. Dr. Lever's passion is working with families and providing services to support family systems.

The Ventura Satellite calendar is now available online! Click here to view upcoming groups and workshops.

Photo courtesy Brandes Portaiture