cancer support programs at smith center for ......dear friends, in our healing work, we come...

Dear Friends,

In our healing work, we come together to laugh, we come together to cry, and sometimes we just need to listen and breathe together. Sixty individuals dedicated to working in their communities, who have built healing spaces for laughter, tears, and deep love, recently joined together at Commonweal, our sister organization, to share our work, our passions, and our grief.

I tell you this to share the tremendous value in joining with people where you can be authentic, honest, compassionate, and loved unconditionally. We all left this special gathering knowing three important things: self-care is essential, our voices matter, and that when you find your people, they will always be there for you.

It is our priority at Smith Center to provide you with a safe haven where your voice matters, where you can come as you are, and where once you spend just a little bit of time with us, you will know and feel in your heart that you are never alone.

Our spring calendar offers opportunities to work with our grief, celebrate laughter and its important place in our healing, and expand our healing knowledge. Our educational series will cover the integrative practices that have been researched and proven to support us in our healing. We will offer creativity options for those who strive to express themselves through art, nutrition programs for our community to come together and be nourished, and an exciting talk about The Healing Power of Love given by our co-founder Michael Lerner.

You are all invited to come laugh, cry, listen and be heard. Together we will breathe, we will grow, and we will support each other with love.

Love and light,

Kiersten GallagherCancer Support Program Director

About Smith Center for Healing and the ArtsSmith Center programs are based on the simple but profound belief that everyone harbors innate capacities for healing, and that healing is always possible. We believe that every individual has the ability and right to

thrive, find meaning, and maintain hope in the face of life’s challenges. The majority of our programs are free of charge and some have a suggested donation for materials. Everyone is welcome regardless of ability to donate. Family members and support persons are welcome at most programs. Smith Center offers transformative cancer retreats, support groups, stress reduction classes, patient navigation, nutrition & cooking sessions, and arts & creativity experiences to adults living with cancer and their caregivers. Founded in 1996, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts is the only Washington, DC-based

independent cancer support center serving the entire DC Community.

CANCER SUPPORT PROGRAMS at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts

2019 APRIL | MAY | JUNE

Visit www.smithcenter.org or call 202.483.8600 to register.2

Cancer Support Programs

Weekly Gentle Yoga Mondays 10:30-11:45am No class: Monday, May 27 with Beth Lawrence, RYT 500 Tuesdays 6:00–7:15pm with Yael Flusberg, C-IAYT, ERYT500 Thursdays 10:15–11:30am with Kiersten Gallagher, RYT 200Suggested donation: $10/session or $25/month Our yoga classes are helpful for adults living with cancer and use various yoga postures and techniques to help reduce stress and encourage wellbeing. All levels are welcome.

Cancer Support Group Bi-monthly on Mondays 6:00-7:30pm with Jennifer Bires, LICSW April 8 & 22, May 6 & 20, June 10 & 24 This support group provides an opportunity to connect with others facing similar struggles and to explore the cancer experience with a trained social worker. Please RSVP by calling 202.483.8600 prior to your first visit.

Nueva Vida Cancer Support Group for Latino Families Weekly on Saturdays 8:30am-12:00pm No session: May 18Nueva Vida provides Latina women facing a cancer diagnosis the opportunity to share with others who are in similar circumstances. All support group meetings are offered in Spanish.

Weekly Chair Yoga Tuesdays 12:00-1:00pm with Beth Lawrence, RYT 500Suggested donation: $10/session or $25/monthRelax deeply as you move through a series of gentle, supported, and seated poses that promote self-care. All levels are welcome.

Weekly Knitting in the NookWednesdays 3:00-4:30pmwith Project Knitwell & Friends Trained volunteers are on hand to provide knitting instruction with quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort, and community amongst participants. Starter kits are available, as is a small selection of yarn and knitting supplies.

Outside the Lines: A Creative Art Studio Bi-monthly on Wednesdays 10:30am-12:30pm with Kiersten Gallagher April 3 & 17, May 1 & 15, June 5 & 19 Suggested Donation: $10 Reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects that help unlock innate creative potential and promote inner listening.

Caregiver Support Group Monthly on Mondays 6:00-7:30pm with Julia Rowland, Ph.D.April 22, May 20, June 24This group provides cancer caregivers the opportunity to meet one another, learn about useful tools for self-care, and explore ways to thrive in the caregiving role. Please RSVP to 202.483.8600 prior to your first visit.

Support Groups

Advanced Cancer Support GroupBi-monthly on Wednesdays 12:00-1:00pmwith Erin Price, LGSWApril 10 & 24, May 8 & 22, June 12 & 26This group is for those living with cancer as a chronic condition that may not be considered curable. We will explore issues around learning to live and thrive with cancer.

Stress Reduction

Brave Beauty in the Face of CancerTuesday, April 2 7:00-8:30pm In Partnership with Sephora & GW Cancer CenterLocation: Sephora Capitol Hill, 380 7th St SEThis free, hands-on class for cancer patients and survivors will teach soothing skincare routines and make up tricks to help restore glow, and the appearance of brows and lashes that may be affected by cancer treatment.

Mindfulness & Meditation at GW Cancer CenterBi-monthly on Fridays 12:00-12:45pmwith Erin Price, LGSW April 12 & 26, May 17 & 31, June 14 & 28Developing mindfulness skills can help combat stress, anxiety, and uncertainty in everyday life. This series will explore various mindfulness skills and is open to all experience levels.Location: GW Cancer Center, 2150 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, 20036, 1st Floor in the Katzen Board Room

Arts & Creativity

Walk-n-Talk with 2UnstoppableSaturdays May 4 & June 22 9:00-11:00am In Partnership with 2UnStoppableJoin us for a Walk-n-Talk with 2Unstoppable. In May, we'll walk around the grounds of the National Arboretum and in June we'll walk around the Tidal Basin. See website for meeting details. All walking abilities welcome, feel free to bring family and friends!Coming Home To Our SensesMonday, May 13 6:30-7:30pmwith Candida DeLuise, LICSWSuggested Donation: $15Mindfulness and meditation practices deepen our relationship to ourselves and our world. Join us for evidence-based meditation techniques to help us focus and be more fully present.

Sufi Meditation and Reiki Infused Workshop Monday, April 8 6:00-7:30pm with Eva and Meera Suggested donation: $15This workshop will promote communal growth by experiencing a fusion of mystical preserved practices and a modern twist of curated poses designed to enhance togetherness. Experienced meditators and beginners alike will come away with deeper insights into the reality of “no self.”

Creating Altars to Honor Resilience and Perseverance Saturday, April 27 1:00-4:00pm with Rebecca Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, LCPATSuggested Donation: $25This workshop will explore our past challenges encountered and honor the processes that helped us survive, and even thrive, in the face of adversities. We will create shrines to honor our resilience and perseverance using small boxes with an inspiring collection of found objects and art supplies. All ranges of artistic experience are welcome to attend.

Haiku Reflection & Practice Sunday, June 2 10:00am-3:00pm with Rick BlackSuggested donation: $25 Join International prize-winning haiku poet Rick Black for this all-day workshop, which includes a short film and haiku walk. Slowing down, being attentive and writing haiku can help to affirm our sense of self and renew our awareness of the beauty of the world.

Create Outside the Lines Thursday, May 2 6:00-7:30pmwith Kiersten Gallagher Suggested donation: $15For those who can’t make the daytime class or can’t get enough creativity time, join us for a night of creativity. We will play with color and explore a fun way to express ourselves. Writing Your Truth Thursday, May 16 4:30-6:00pm with Elise Wiarda Suggested donation: $20 Experience the powerful, mysterious and often surprising gifts that emerge as you listen to, write and share poetry. Hawk Medicine: An Insight into

Indigenous Medicine Using Dance and StorytellingSaturday, May 4 5:00-6:30pmwith Aminah Sané GhaffarSuggested Donation: $15This program will focus on the ideology of Indigenous medicine from a Native American perspective. Experience the realignment of mind, body, and spirit through storytelling, traditional dance, singing, and drumming,

Visit www.smithcenter.org or call 202.483.8600 to register. 3

Cancer Support ProgramsCooking & Nutrition Young Adult Support

Now it's Your Turn! Lunch and Learn with Chef Laura Saturday, June 1 10:00am-2:00pmWith Chef Laura Pole Suggested donation: $25 Now you can challenge Chef Laura to design custom menus to work around your biggest cooking/eating challenges. She will prepare lunch on the spot, so come with your questions, challenge, curiosity, playfulness and appetite!

The Role of Natural Medicine in Integrative Cancer Care Thursday, April 18 6:30-8:00pm with Aminah Keats, ND, FABNO Learn how to safely integrate evidence-based natural medicine into an integrative oncology plan to reduce side effects associated with conventional treatment and support immune function.

Medical Cannabis for Oncology Patients: Hype or Valid Integrative Tool Wednesday, June 26 6:30-8:00pm with Mikhail Kogan, MD, ABIOM, RCSTW, Deirdre Orceyre, ND, MSOM, LAc, & Paula Querido KahnLearn about evidence-based support of the use of medicinal cannabis for oncology patients. We will discuss the basic process of obtaining medical cannabis, the uses and effects obtained from different strains, and modes of delivery of medicinal cannabis.

Coping with the Grief and Loss of a Loved OneThursday, April 4 6:30-8:30pm with Varahi Kelsang, MD, MA, MSSuggested donation: $15Grief is an essential thread in the fabric of our life. It is there both individually and in the context of our community. This workshop will give participants ways to understand grief so that they can heal and transform this painful event.

Cancer Prevention in the KitchenSunday, April 14 11:00am-1:30pm / 2:00-4:30pmWith Chef Kara Garrett

Suggested donation: $25/session or $40/bothThis two-part class is an introduction to food choices that are shown to reduce cancer risk and improve health. Part 1 will be lecture, demo and lunch, followed by a meal preparation class in part 2. Join one or both sessions.

DC Young Adult Cancer Supper Club: Summer Kickoff BBQ Friday, May 31 6:30-8:30pm with Chef Kara GarrettSuggested donation: $20 Meet other young adult cancer survivors and share a healthy meal and good conversation. We’ll kick off the summer season by grilling handmade pizzas at our outdoor BBQ party. Partners/caregivers welcome!

Meet-the-Experts

Massage & Acupuncture in Integrative Cancer Care Wednesday, May 15 6:30-8:00pm with Lauren Cates, LMT & Christina Tian, LAC, CMD, DACM, BSBALearn more about the benefits of oncology massage and acupuncture in the treatment of cancer and cancer side-effects.

Viewing Stress through the Lens of Ancient Chinese Medical Philosophy Monday, April 29 6:30-8:00pm with Jonathan Gilbert, L.Ac., NCCAOM A cancer diagnosis can create a fundamental shift in our lives. Learn about ancient Chinese medical strategies that enable us to cope more fully with the stress created by this change.

Vibrant Spring Cooking to Nourish and Heal Saturday, May 4 1:00-4:00pm with Chef Cathryn Pethick Suggested Donation: $25It is worth the time to prepare freshly-made food to heal your body and soul. Abundance, bounty, new growth: with the rise of Spring, our fresh food choices expand as the Spring markets fill with the season's best offerings.

DC Young Adult Cancer Survivors Hiking in the City Saturday, June 22 9:00am-12:00pm in Partnership with First Descents DC/Baltimore Tributary Location: Theodore Roosevelt Island Join other young adult cancer survivors for a morning of hiking at Theodore Roosevelt Island on the Potomac River. This hike is suitable for all fitness levels and will end with a bring-your-own picnic lunch. Both newcomers and First Descents Alumni are welcome to attend.

Ongoing Healing Circle for Grief and Loss of a Life Partner Bi-monthly on Thursdays 4:30-6:00pmwith Wendy Miller & Larry Kanter April 11 & 25, May 9 & 23, June 6 & 20 This ongoing healing circle focuses on the unique needs of those experiencing the loss, recent or not, of a spouse or partner. RSVP required: 202.483.8600.

Healing Circles

A Healing Circle – Support Group for Gay Men with Prostate Cancer Monthly on Thursdays 7:00-8:30pmwith Kevin Miller April 25, May 23, June 27This healing circle offers support to gay men diagnosed with prostate cancer, or who are recovering from treatment. We share our experiences in a peer-led community to help one another in our own personal situations.

DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group Monthly on Sundays 5:00-6:30pm with Jennifer Bires, LICSW, Erin Price, LGSW, & Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSW-C April 14, May 19, June 9 Meet other young adult cancer survivors in this monthly group, a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations, and cancer support groups. Enjoy a healthy dinner with caregivers and survivors before and after the facilitated group discussion. DC Young Adult Cancer Caregiver Support Group Monthly on Sundays 5:00-6:30pm with Lauren Broschak, LICSW April 14, May 19, June 9 This monthly group provides an opportunity to meet others who are caring for a young adult cancer survivor. Enjoy a healthy dinner with caregivers and survivors before and after the facilitated group discussion.

Online Healing Circle Bi-monthly on Wednesdays 1:30-3:00pmwith Wendy Miller & David "Lucky" Goff April 3 & 17, May 1 & 15, June 5 & 19This bi-monthly circle is an opportunity to create a cyberspace community, connecting with others as we learn to grow through the hardships we have experienced in life. See website for video connection instructions.

Behavior Change: Deconstructing the Process Monday, April 15 6:30-8:00pm with Julia Rowland, Ph.D. Behavior change, why is it so hard to do? Come and learn the answer to this age-old question, along with techniques you can use to reach the goals you set for yourself.

Mastering Fear of Recurrence Wednesday, May 22 6:30-8:00pm with Julia Rowland, Ph.D. This conversation will explore factors that often affect fear of recurrence, as well as approaches to master this common anxiety from an emotional, cognitive and behavioral perspective.

The Healing Power of Love Wednesday, May 29 6:30-8:00pm with Co-Founder Michael LernerThe healing power of love is beyond our comprehension. Yet love is also one of the most complex experiences in life, yielding pleasure and pain in equal measure. We will explore love in poetry, sacred texts, and archetypal psychology.

4

7th Annual ALCHEMICAL VESSELSThe Transformative Power of the Written Word

April 11th - June 1st

Up Next at The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at Smith Center

Benefit Event Friday, May 3rd 7:00-9:00pm

Benefit Tickets Available at: www.joanhisaokagallery.org

VIP & General Admission ticket purchases include original artwork.

All proceeds from this event go directly to support our cancer support programs.

The 12th Annual Joan Hisaoka ‘Make a Difference’ Gala

Saturday, September 21, 2019Omni Shoreham Hotel

Washington, DC

For 11 years, Smith Center has been a recipient of this extraordinary fundraiser that has raised over $14

million dollars for cancer support services in the greater Washington, DC area. With your help, we can make this

year the best one yet!We are looking for individuals to join our newly created

gala committee, buy tickets, and connect us with businesses to sponsor the event and provide silent

auction items. This gala provides almost one-third of our annual

budget. For every dollar raised for the gala, Smith Center receives triple the amount back. That’s 3x more survivors,

caregivers, and loved ones we can help find healing in their journey..

Please consider getting involved! For more information, please contact [email protected].

Metastatic Breast Cancer One-Day Retreat at Smith Center

Saturday, May 18th9:30am - 5:00pm

This retreat is designed to empower those with Metastatic Breast Cancer to make life-affirming changes by providing tools and knowledge in a safe and caring community of

others facing a similar diagnosis.

For more information and to register, please visit:

https://smithcenter.org/2018/abc-retreat/

We Need Your Help!

The 4th Annual Healing Studio Series Standing Like a Tree

Two Moms, Two Cancers, One FamilyPhotography and Sculpture by Thea Breite

June 13th - August 10thOpening Reception

Saturday, June 22nd 6:00-8:00pmVisit joanhisaokagallery.org for more

information on gallery events.

Young Adult Cancer Survivor Coping Through Comedy Showcase

Thursday, April 11th7:00-9:00pm

Advanced tickets: $25 Door Admission: $30

Join Young Adult Cancer Survivors as they share hilarious stories and stand-up comedy

sets for your enjoyment. This night of laughter and community will raise money for the DC Young Adult Cancer

Community.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

10:30-11:45amGentle Yoga

2 12:00-1:00pm Chair Yoga 6:00-7:15pm Gentle Yoga7:00-8:30pm Beauty Workshop at Sephora

310:30am-12:30pm Outside the Lines 1:30-3:00pm Online Healing Circle 3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook

410:15-11:30am Gentle Yoga6:30-8:30pm Coping with Grief & Loss

5 6 8:30am-12:00pm Nueva Vida Grupo de apoyo (en español)

7 810:30-11:45amGentle Yoga

6:00-7:30pm Cancer Support Group

6:00-7:30pm Sufi & Reiki Workshop

9 12:00-1:00pm Chair Yoga 6:00-7:15pm Gentle Yoga

10 12:00-1:00pm Adv. Cancer Support Group 3:00-4:30pm Knitting in the Nook

11 10:15-11:30am Gentle Yoga4:30-6:00pmOngoing Healing Circle: Loss of Life Partner7:00-9:00pm Comedy Showcase

1212:00-12:45pm Meditation at GW Cancer Center

13 8:30am-12:00pm Nueva Vida Grupo de apoyo (en español)

1411:00-1:30pm Cancer Nutrition Lecture/Lunch

2:00-4:30pm Cancer Nutrition Meal Prep Class

5:00-6:30pmYACS Meet Up and Support Group & YACS Caregiver Support Group


6:30-8:00pm Deconstructing Behavior Change


1710:30am-12:30pm Outside the Lines

1:30-3:00pm Online Healing Circle 3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook

1810:15-11:30am Gentle Yoga

6:30-8:00pm Natural Medicine in Integrative Cancer Care

19 20 8:30am-12:00pm Nueva Vida Grupo de apoyo (en español)

21 2210:30-11:45amGentle Yoga 6:00-7:30pmCancer Support Group6:00-7:30pmCaregiver Support Group

23 12:00-1:00pm Chair Yoga6:00-7:15pm Gentle Yoga

24 12:00-1:00pmAdv. Cancer Support Group

3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook

2510:15-11:30am Gentle Yoga4:30-6:00pmOngoing Healing Circle: Loss of Life Partner

7:00-8:30pmA Healing Circle: Gay Men with Prostate Cancer


27 8:30am-12:00pm Nueva Vida Grupo de apoyo (en español)1:00-4:00pm Creating Altars Arts Workshop


6:30-8:00pm Ancient Chinese Medicine Talk


April 2019“The art programs at Smith Center are both soothing and

empowering all in one.“ - Creativity Program Participant

5Visit www.smithcenter.org or call 202.483.8600 to register.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday110:30am-12:30pm Outside the Lines1:30-3:00pm Online Healing Circle 3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook

2 10:15-11:30am Gentle Yoga

6:00-7:30pm Create Outside the Lines

37:00-9:00pm Alchemical Vessels Benefit Event**

48:30am-12:00pm Nueva Vida Grupo de apoyo (en español) 9:00-11:00am Walk-n-Talk at National Arboretum 1:00-4:00pm Spring Cooking Class 5:00-6:30pm Indigenous Medicine Workshop


6:00-7:30pmCancer Support Group


8 12:00-1:00pm Adv. Cancer Support Group 3:00-4:30pm Knitting in the Nook


10

118:30am-12:00pm Nueva Vida Grupo de apoyo (en español)

12 13 10:30-11:45amGentle Yoga

6:30-7:30pm Coming Home to Our Senses Meditation


15 10:30am-12:30pmOutside the Lines1:30-3:00pm Online Healing Circle 3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook 6:30-8:00pm Massage & Acupuncture


4:30-6:00pm Writing Your Truth


18 9:30am-5:00pm Metastatic Breast Cancer One-Day Retreat

195:00-6:30pmYACS Meet Up and Support Group &YACS Caregiver Support Group


6:00-7:30pmCancer Support Group6:00-7:30pmCaregiver Support Group

21 12:00-1:00pmChair Yoga 6:00-7:15pm Gentle Yoga

22 12:00-1:00pm Adv. Cancer Support Group

3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook6:30-8:00pm Fear of Recurrence

2310:15-11:30am Gentle Yoga4:30-6:00pmOngoing Healing Circle: Loss of Life Partner7:00-8:30pmA Healing Circle: Gay Men with Prostate Cancer


26 27 CLOSED

FOR THE

HOLIDAY

28 12:00-1:00pm Chair Yoga

6:00-7:15pm Gentle Yoga

293:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook 6:30-8:00pm The Healing Power of Love with Michael Lerner


3112:00-12:45pm Meditation at GW Cancer Center 6:30-8:30pm Young Adult Cancer Supper Club

May 2019“I learned how to rebuild my health and my strength after

chemo ran through my body for months.” - Nutrition Program Participant

6 Visit www.smithcenter.org or call 202.483.8600 to register.**The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

18:30am-12:00pm Nueva Vida Grupo de apoyo (en español)10:00am-2:00pm Lunch and Learn with Chef Laura

210:00am-3:00pm Haiku Workshop


412:00-1:00pmChair Yoga 6:00-7:15pm Gentle Yoga

510:30am-12:30pmOutside the Lines1:30-3:00pm Online Healing Circle3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook


4:30-6:00pmOngoing Healing Circle: Loss of Life Partner


95:00-6:30pmYACS Meet Up and Support Group &YACS Caregiver Support Group


6:00-7:30pmCancer Support Group


1212:00-1:00pmAdv. Cancer Support Group

3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook


Healing Studio Series: Standing Like a Tree Gallery Exhibit Opens**



16


18 12:00-1:00pmChair Yoga 6:00-7:15pm Gentle Yoga

1910:30am-12:30pmOutside the Lines1:30-3:00pm Online Healing Circle3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook


21 228:30am-12:00pm Nueva Vida 9:00-11:00am Walk-n-Talk at Tidal Basin9:00am-1:00pm YACS Hiking in the City 6:00-8:00pm Standing Like a Tree Opening Reception*

23

30


6:00-7:30pmCancer Support Group6:00-7:30pmCaregiver Support Group


2612:00-1:00pmAdv. Cancer Support Group

3:00-4:30pmKnitting in the Nook 6:30-8:00pm Medicinal Cannabis for Oncology Patients


7:00-8:30pmA Healing Circle: Gay Men with Prostate Cancer



June 2019“I was so impressed how everyone felt so safe so quickly.”

- Yoga Program Participant

7Visit www.smithcenter.org or call 202.483.8600 to register.**The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID ALEXANDRIA, VA

#5659

1632 U STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20009202.483.8600 WWW.SMITHCENTER.ORG

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES! Get the latest program information and news by signing up at: www.smithcenter.org/about-smith-center/stay-connected

April | May | June

2019

Support Groups

Yoga & Meditation

Creativity Workshops

Music

Nutrition & CookingFam

ily SupportPatient N

avigationResidential Retreats

Young Adult Cancer Programs

CANCER SU

PPORT

PROG

RAMS

“One of the best small charities in the Greater Washington region.” - 2016-2017 Catalogue for Philanthropy

In Loving Mem

ory of Fatim

a Djalo Johnson

3-Day Residential Cancer Retreat at Priest Field

Pastoral CenterAugust 2-4, 2019

For over 20 years, our retreats have dem

onstrated profound and lasting positive effects. O

ur three-day retreats provide a safe, caring environm

ent for exploring the physical, em

otional and spiritual aspects of healing. W

e offer a powerful integrative program

that includes daily support groups,

yoga, meditation, creative expression,

complem

entary resources, and gourm

et meals.

We welcom

e adults with any type of cancer at any stage, along with significant others and caregivers. Space is lim

ited to 9 participants. For m

ore information, please view our

retreat video at: www.sm

ithcenter.org/cancer-retreats/ C

ontact Erin: [email protected]

(202.483.8600)

Leslie Burns, Alchem

ical Vessels 2018

cancer support programs at smith center for ......dear friends, in our healing work, we come...

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