NORWAY – Oxford County has more than its fair share of people impacted by cancer. According to the 2012 Maine State Health Assessment report, the county has one of the highest rates of cancer incidence in the state, along with Penobscot and Washington counties. For every person who is diagnosed with cancer, there are multiple others who are directly impacted by that diagnosis: spouses, children, loved ones and coworkers.

Until now, there have been few local resources available to help cancer patients and their loved ones to cope with the impact of a cancer diagnosis. While both the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing in Lewiston and the Cancer Community Center in Portland offer a wide array of services and programs, their locations make it somewhat difficult for local residents to access on a regular basis.

With a growing awareness of the gap in cancer support services in the Oxford Hills region, a small group of health care professionals and bodywork practitioners from Posabilities Yoga Studio, 15 Tannery St., began meeting with representatives from the Dempsey Center to exchange ideas about how to better serve the community in a more direct and accessible manner.

“Posabilities is very excited to be partnering with the Dempsey Center in offering support to individuals in the Oxford Hills whose lives have been impacted by cancer, and in promoting their health, wellness and happiness in a therapeutic and caring environment,” said Katey Hawes, physical therapist, yoga practitioner and Posabilities owner.

The group decided to start modestly by launching a weekly yoga class for cancer patients and their caregivers/loved ones and also offering a series of workshops that address a range of issues related to the cancer experience.

A workshop for loved ones of people living with advanced cancer will be offered July 16; workshops on meditation, massage and supporting youth impacted by cancer will all be offered this fall.

By offering the classes and workshops for free in a local venue, the group hopes that the local community will be better able to take advantage of the programs that the Dempsey Center has to offer.

“The Dempsey Center is committed to serving anyone who is impacted by cancer. We strive to promote hope and healing through programming and services that teach people how to live well in mind, body and spirit,” said Wendy Tardif, Dempsey Center executive director. “Our services are free and available regardless of where a person is receiving their medical care. We are very excited to begin serving people in the Oxford Hills community in a more direct and accessible manner by delivering programs right in their own neighborhood.”

For more information about the Dempsey Center, visit www.dempseycenter.org. For more information about Posabilities Yoga Studio, visit www.posabilities4u.com.