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Cancer patients at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital’s Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center will have two new support groups starting this spring.

"We are excited to be adding to our already comprehensive offerings of support and complementary programs," said Anne Campbell-Maxwell, director of oncology at the Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center. "These are two unique programs that set us apart from other centers and underscore our commitment to the comprehensive model that meets not only the medical needs of patients, but the emotional ones as well."

On May 8, the Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Cold Spring will launch a pilot program in cooperation with the Hospital that will offer breast cancer patients the chance to ride and groom horses. The program hopes to help women get and stay physically and emotionally healthy.

"At TEC we believe that this program can also enhance the quality of life, physical strength and emotional/mental health of breast cancer patients," said Leslie Heanue, Executive Director. "TEC looks to be the pioneer equine-assisted rehabilitation program addressing the specific needs of breast cancer patients in New York State."

Heanue said that therapeutic riding uses the movement of the horse to help the patient improve strength, balance, coordination, sensory processing and improved overall function.

The classes would run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Thursdays for 8 sessions starting May 8 and be open to six breast cancer patients, initially. Participants would be paired with a cancer survivor "buddy" and would spend half the class grooming and half riding.

Heanue said that TEC, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, hopes to obtain a grant to expand the program to reach more patients.

Also starting this spring at HVHC is a new support program for cancer patients who suffer from Lymphedema, a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The Hospital’s licensed clinical social worker and Lymphedema therapist will provide men and women who are struggling with Lymphedema due to cancer surgery with emotional and educational support.

The group is led by Jen Looby, MS, PT, CLT, Physical Therapist/Senior Certified Lymphedema Therapist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital’s Center for Rehabilitation. Ms. Looby has a Bachelor of Health Science degree from Mercy College and an MS degree in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College. She obtained her Certification in Lymphedema Therapy from Norton School of Lymphatics.

Support group sessions will be held every other fourth Tuesday of the month from 12:30 - 2 p.m. (April 29, June 24, August 26, October 28, December 30) and every other third Wednesday of the month from 3:30-5 p.m. – ( May 21, July 16, September 17, November 19).

To learn more about these support programs or others offered at the cancer center call 914-293-8400 or visit hvhc.npgdev.com. Support Groups take place at the Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Cancer Center, 1978 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor.

NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital is dedicated to serving the health care needs of the community and to providing quality, comprehensive medical care in a compassionate, professional, respectful manner, without regard to race, religion, national origin or disease category. Offering state-of-the-art diagnostic treatment, education and preventive services, the Hospital is committed to improving the quality of life in the community. In fulfilling this mission, the Hospital will strive to continuously improve the care provided and develop and offer programs, facilities, systems and alliances that most effectively respond to community health care needs. NewYork-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital is located on Route 202 (1980 Crompond Road) in Cortlandt Manor, New York. Call 914-737-9000 or visit hvhc.npgdev.com.