Join our newest program initiative, The Guys Discussion Group! Led by LCSW Dennis Heffern, each month we’ll hear from a different community member on a certain topic with a chance for open discussion at the end. In this guys-only program, we’ll shoot the breeze with men of all young adult cancer experiences. Nothing is off the table. You won’t want to miss it!
Topic:Â Meet Luke!
During my first semester of College, I had a baseball scholarship which was quickly in the rearview mirror. I was injured in a car accident that left my dreams of playing baseball and at the time my future on hold. After multiple injuries, surgeries, and an extensive road of rehabilitation I regained the ability to attempt a comeback. Shortly after my car accident, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in March 2007. I told myself from the very beginning “I will beat you cancer” and took Leukemia head-on for 4 years and can proudly say that my last treatment was in January 2011.
Experiencing firsthand how each medical professional I encountered was uniquely able to help me and show their passion for caring inspired me. I then knew what I wanted to do- to help others heal and regain what they are passionate about. I received my Physical Therapist Assistant degree in 2012. In school during one of my clinical rotations, I was mentored by two amazing Physical Therapists who to this day have inspired me to be the best I can be. The way they treated their patients inspired me greatly and illuminated what Physical Therapy could actually do. Ever since I have pursued a greater understanding of the human body through many courses of study at the Institute of Physical Art. I am driven by the passion to help others reach their optimum functional capabilities and free them of pain. The drive to and fulfillment of seeing the joy on each of my patient’s faces when they leave my office or return for their next treatment assured me that I’m making a difference. I opened my own business in September 2020!
I am a Colorado Native from the Boulder area, living in Denver now. I enjoy skiing, running and water sports. I love spending time with my wife Danette and two dogs, traveling, hiking, paddle boarding, and adventuring in the mountains.
– FUN FACT I hate to lose in Monopoly!
– Instagram- @vitalatlast (my business)
Who:Â young adult cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, MEN only
Where: online video chat. We’ll send you more information about joining after you register. Please have a microphone headset and a webcam.
When: August 23, 5-6:30 pm PT / 7-8:30 pm CT / 8-9:30 pm ET* (*US time zones…please confirm what time this means for where you live).
How does it work? Sign up on our program list using the link below, choosing ‘Guys’ Discussion Group’ as one of the programs for which you’d like notifications. Cactus Cancer Society (formerly Lacuna Loft) will send you an email about a week before the workshop with information on how to join the video chat. ***You’ll need the link that we’ll provide you, a headset with a microphone, and a webcam.***