Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Cultivating Compassion Education Series | April Gatherings | Monthly Gatherings

  

Cultivating Compassion Education Series

April Gatherings

From Pain to Possibility—

Healing Intergenerational Trauma

Presented by Julie Brown Yau, PhD,

CCALS Trauma and Spiritual Care Liaison

with an introduction by CCALS Founder and Executive Director, Ron Hoffman

Sunday, April 27, 2025

1:00 p.m. ET

Please join us to explore a topic that touches the lives of individuals and families across generations, intergenerational trauma. This heirloom of unhealed wounds can manifest in ways that are challenging to recognize, until its roots entangle our sense of self and suffering ensues. 


Intergenerational trauma is one of those burdens, passed down silently through unhealed wounds, unresolved grief, and unspoken pain. It shapes us in ways we may not realize, influencing how we see the world, how we connect to others, and how we understand ourselves. While trauma can be passed down, so too can healing. The beauty of the human spirit lies in its ability to transform pain into purpose, and wounds into resilience. Together we will learn some tools to mend the invisible threads of pain. Healing isn’t only possible, it’s essential to break the trauma cycle. 


No matter what your circumstances, whether you have ALS, or you are an ALS family member, friend or caregiver, you will learn ways to shine a light into the shadows of unseen family trauma. We can leave a legacy of hope and resilience for those who come after us. Thank you for joining us for this talk and for an experiential on this important and invigorating topic. In this session, we will continue to deepen our means to self-regulate and calm our nervous system, to gear us toward self-healing.

Register

About Dr. Julie

Julie Brown Yau, PhD, is the CCALS Trauma and Spiritual Care Liaison. She is an expert in the field of healing complex trauma. She is the author of “The Body Awareness Workbook for Trauma,” and is a dear friend and colleague of CCALS founder, Ron Hoffman. Dr. Julie, has been supporting our families for nearly 20 years.


Dr. Julie specializes in the resolution of relational, complex, and intergenerational trauma. She is a master NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) practitioner, and an authorized teacher of the Shri Vidya tradition. Using a unified approach, Julie’s work addresses the challenging psychobiological dynamics of trauma, and includes the latest neuroscientific findings, contemplative, and somatic psychologies. Julie studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhism extensively with Rohab Rinpoche, Dan P. Brown, and Maa Uma-Parvathi Natha. Other teachers she studied in-depth with include Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, Allan B. Wallace, and Roshi Joan Halifax.

Monthly Gatherings

Trauma Healing


April 9

7:00pm ET

Our own Trauma & Spiritual Care Liaison, Julie Yau, Ph.D., SEP, will be hosting a monthly gathering for our community focused on trauma awareness and healing. CCALS has long recognized how traumatic an ALS diagnosis is, and the continuing challenges and trauma that can arise while living with ALS. Dr. Julie is a renowned trauma specialist and author of the powerful trauma healing book, "The Body Awareness Workbook for Trauma." She is a dear friend and colleague of CCALS founder, Ron Hoffman, and has been supporting our families for nearly 20 years. To participate in this group, we are asking for a commitment of at least three months, and the purchase and reading of Dr. Julie's book.


Please contact james@ccals.org if you are interested in participating.

Email to join

Caregiver to Caregiver


April 10

3:00pm ET

Come share the informal gathering designed to offer genuine support for those engaged in ALS caregiving. Enjoy the opportunity to be with other folks who have an intimate understanding of ALS and share your unique point of view as a caregiver. It is truly a wonderful experience to sit in council with ALS caregivers, to practice heart-centered listening, bear witness to our journeys and those of others, and to support and be supported without judgment.

Register

Men of ALS

Guided by Ron Hoffman,

CCALS Founder


April 17

2:00pm ET

Join us for a time of brotherhood and belonging for men living with ALS, or men caring for someone with the disease. This group operates as a council circle that encourages deep listening, acceptance, and an invitation to be genuine about what is going on in your life.

Register

Women of ALS


April 17

3:00pm ET

Enjoy the connection and unique perspective of other women living with ALS, female caregivers of persons living with ALS, daughters of those with ALS, or any woman touched by the disease. We will gather in council to share our experiences with the broad motivation to bring heartfelt connections and healing to the ALS journey. The Women of ALS gatherings create a safe space to explore the rich feminine perspective on lineage, sexuality, the role as caregiver, and the experience of compassion.

Register

Beyond ALS


April 24

6:30pm ET

Join a welcoming group of men and women who have lost a loved one to ALS. Share openly with others who are rebuilding their lives after profound loss. This interactive gathering will highlight where we are now and what may feel different: our identity, our values, our approach to spirituality, and more. We will listen deeply to each other’s stories about the new experiences of building relationships, contentment with solitude, or challenges as a single parent. But, most importantly, come to enjoy and appreciate the company of others who have come to experience the precious nature of human life.

Register

Sons and Daughters of ALS

Guided by Ron Hoffman,

CCALS Founder


April 27

4:00pm ET

Sons and Daughters of ALS, hosted by CCALS Founder and Director, Ron Hoffman, is designed for those 18 years to 30- somethings who have experienced a parent, or close loved one, struggling from symptoms, diagnosis, decline or death with ALS. Growing up with the intensity and complexity of ALS in our family can shake us to the very core. It is often hard to comprehend or describe the ways that this disease shapes our past, present and future. If you are living with, or have lived with, the impact of a parent with ALS, you are invited to join our zoom gathering for Sons and Daughters of ALS. With deep listening, in the company of others who know the similarity of the uninvited path of having a parent with ALS, we will gather in council to share our experiences with the broad motivation to bring heartfelt connection, awareness and healing.

Register

Mothers of ALS


April 28

1:00pm ET

CCALS offers this informal gathering specifically for mothers who have been impacted by ALS. This disease shines a unique and challenging spotlight on the relationships between mothers and their children. We will join with each other in council to listen deeply and bear witness to our experiences as we connect and discover new pathways through the intensity of an ALS experience.

Register

Contact James@ccals.org with any questions.

  
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Monday, March 31, 2025

Parkinson's Fitness | Ability-based Exercise, Arts and Movement Programs

  >>Click HERE to link to ParkinsonFitness.org Additional Info>>

April Newsletter & This Week's Classes 3/31 - 4/6

Dear Friends

In conjunction with Parkinson’s Awareness month, Parkinson’s Fitness is pleased to offer two new programs this Spring—Rowing on the Charles for Parkinson’s Patients & Caregivers and also a 4-week session of Boxing! Check out all of the details to sign up below in the Special Offerings Section.


Every bit of movement can help keep our Parkinson's symptoms manageable. We've got loads of in person, virtual and recorded class offerings below to keep you moving.


REMINDER! There is still a temporary location for Dianna's Thursday class at the Rockport Community/Senior Center, 58 Broadway in Rockport. The MAGMA class will be in Rockport temporarily. If you are new to class or want confirmation, email or call Dianna for instructions.

Thank you,

Linda


P.S. Check out our online resources, make a donation, and more at www.parkinsonsfitness.org.



NEW! Special Offerings in April & May

Punch It Out!


Parkinson's Fitness is offering a 4-week Saturday BOXING program with Nathan at Sleeping Tiger in Gloucester.  

According to Parkinson's Foundation, The benefits associated with a boxing exercise regimen for someone with Parkinson's include:

  • Increased strength.
  • Improved hand-eye coordination.
  • Improved posture.
  • Better cognitive processing.
  • Relieve symptoms for soft-voice disorders.
  • Stronger core which can lead to a better gait.
  • Improved balance and agility.
  • Improved reaction time.


The Saturday Boxing Classes will start on Saturday April 26th  for an hour 12-1pm and end on May 17th. Location is 127 Eastern Avenue, Unit 24L in Gloucester. 


The 4 week class total is $60 per person. Signup through Parkinson’s Fitness by emailing Linda at parkinsonsfitness@gmail.com or call 781-572-5918.

Rowing for Parkinson's Patients & Caregivers


Parkinson's Fitness is offering introductory rowing sessions on the Charles on May 18th and May 20th.  

Community Rowing, Inc. says, "Rowing is for everyone. Whether you’re new to rowing or want to take your skills to the next level, there’s a place for you at Community Rowing."

The Rowing on the Charles is very exciting, and there is no cost to participate. Participants need to stand on their own and be able to sit without assistance. See the flyer below for more details.


Signup through Parkinson’s Fitness by emailing Linda at parkinsonsfitness@gmail.com or call 781-572-5918.

In-Person Parkinson's Fitness Classes

This list details our in-person classes, which begin again on Thursday, January 2nd. Click on the underlined address to access a map and directions. Look to the blue box under this section for links to our Zoom and recorded classes. 


Mondays at 10am In-Person

Strength with Kim at Marblehead Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey Street in MarbleheadTo confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 781-631-6225.


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Wednesdays at 11am In-Person

Strength with Kim at Marblehead Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey Street in MarbleheadTo confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 781-631-6225.


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Thursdays at 11am In-Person

PLEASE NOTE! There is a temporary location for Dianna's Thursday class at the Rockport Community/Senior Center.

Balance in Motion Class with Dianna at MAGMA in Gloucester will be temporarily held in Rockport. The address is 58 Broadway in Rockport, MA 01966. Pease see below for address and, if you are new to class or want confirmation, email or call Dianna for instructions. at 857-488-7880.


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Thursdays at 1:20pm In-Person

Strength with Kim at Salem Council on Aging, 401 Bridge Street in SalemTo confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 978-744-0180.


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Fridays at 10:10am In-Person

Balance and Strength Class with Sally at Lynnfield Council on Aging, 525 Salem Street in Lynnfield. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 781-598-1078.


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Fridays at 1pm In-Person and Also on Zoom

Balance in Motion Class with Dianna at Danvers Council on Aging, 25 Stone Street in Danvers. To confirm class will be held, please call the COA at 978-762-0208. 

Can't make it in? Join from home with this link: Click Here Meeting ID: 824 0247 5688. Passcode: 12345

Zoom Parkinson's Fitness Classes

Try these live Zoom and pre-taped classes you can do at home. Do what feels best for your body and clear the area around you so your arms and legs can move freely. Drink plenty of water. Click on the Zoom link below.


Tuesday at 1pm Balance in Motion with Dianna on Zoom

Click Here

Meeting ID: 824 0247 5688 Passcode: 12345


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Wednesday at 1pm Breathe and Stretch Yoga with Dianna

Click Here

Meeting ID: 818 8748 2663 Passcode: 12345


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Friday at 1pm Balance in Motion with Dianna on Zoom

Click Here

Meeting ID: 824 0247 5688 Passcode: 12345

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Looking for More Workouts?

Try one of our Recorded Video Classes



Click for Dianna’s channel of videos

Click for a recorded workout with Kim (changes weekly)

Click to access Parkinson's Foundation Fitness Friday videos

Click the photos below to find recorded workouts with Sally, Dianna and Kim.

News, Articles, Education & Fun Things

Come Bowl with Your Parkinson's Fitness Friends: Mondays at 10:15AM Bowling with Parkinson’s Fitness is a fun social event, NOT a class! Choose a lane and join us on Mondays at Sunnyside Bowladrome! Bowling is a great way to stay active and keep your mind sharp, while having fun with friends! Located at Sunnyside Bowladrome: 176 Water Street, Danvers, MA 01923.

Parkinson's Foundation Mindfulness Mondays - The Gift of Presence: Monday, March 31st at 1pm

In the midst of life's challenges, finding moments of stillness can be a profound gift. This session from Parkinson's Foundation explores the power of presence — how creating quiet spaces within ourselves can provide strength, clarity, and resilience during difficult times. Through guided meditation and reflection, we'll discover how mindfulness can serve as a steady anchor, helping us navigate uncertainty with greater ease and compassion.

Join us as we embrace the gift of presence, cultivating peace in the here and now. Speaker Barbara Leffler, PhD, RN, is a retired Clinical Psychologist and Registered Nurse, care partner to her husband living with Parkinson's, and a Parkinson's Foundation Hospital Lead Ambassador. Click to Register.


Webinar: Nutritious and Delicious: Eating for PD: Wednesday, April 9th at 3pm

It can be a challenge for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners to develop a meal plan. With complications like medication schedules, dysphagia, and other PD symptoms, maintaining a healthy diet is overwhelming. Join us as Kelly Morrow presents on how to plan and create healthy meals that are delicious and nutritious.

Kelly Morrow, MS, RDN, FAND is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is an Affiliate Instructor at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Washington and Affiliate Associate Professor at Bastyr University where she specializes in integrative and functional nutrition. Kelly uses data including continuous glucose monitoring, in-depth diet tracking, biometrics, and functional nutrition labs to help clients solve complex health challenges while reducing trial and error frustration. Click to Register.

Save the Date: May 18th APDA Annual Optimism Walk

APDA MA is thrilled to announce that our 39th Annual Optimism Walk will be held on the morning of Sunday, May 18 at Bowditch Field (475 Union Ave Framingham, MA).
Please join us for food, fun, and community. Visit the Walk website to learn more, register, or donate to ensure the Massachusetts Chapter of APDA can continue to fund critical Parkinson's research and support.
Help Keep Us Going We welcome donations to Parkinson's Fitness at any time of year–maybe to celebrate a loved one's birthday or special event. You can do so online DONATE HERE. You can also mail a check c/o Keith and Linda Hall to 46 Brittania Circle Salem, MA 01970. Thank you!
 For more information on Parkinson’s Fitness, or to register for our classes go to www.parkinsonsfitness.org or contact us at parkinsonfitness@gmail.com.