Judith Dambowic – Welcome to the Cancer Cafe

SHOWS POSTPONED
UNTIL APRIL 1st, 2020

After much deliberation, Judith along with The Marsh have decided to postpone the remaining 2 shows of Welcome to the Cancer Café.

Due to these unprecedented circumstances, which pose severe financial repercussions for our community and for The Marsh, we hope you will consider donating the cost of your ticket back to The Marsh as a tax-deductible donation or you may opt to receive a DOGPASS for future attendance to a Marsh performance.

Consider donating your tickets back to The Marsh as
a tax-deductible contribution.

Our preference is to welcome you to the Marsh Theater, but by donating your tickets back to The Marsh, you will support our Artists during this unprecedented time. In return, we will send you a receipt for your tax-deductible contribution.

Receive a DOGPASS

Given these unique circumstances, The Marsh is happy to make an exception to our regular policy by offering DOGPASSES good for another Marsh performance.Please contact us in the box-office by phone at 415-282-3055 Mon-Fri 1-4pm or by email at boxoffice@themarsh.org to let us know of your preference.

We THANK YOU for your continued support and wish for your continued health.


“As a healing provider myself, it was a powerful piece. A reminder of patient perspective that you don’t see too often, really quite surreal.”
Dr. Michael Green – Hematologist Onc. No. Cal. Kaiser

“I’ve worked for 30 years with people who are writing and performing their own stories. In that time I’ve heard a lot of people give witness to the trials of having a life threatening disease. Judith Dambowic goes further than anyone I’ve encountered. She gets the awful contrasts of fear and courage, agency and impotence, armor and vulnerability.”
David Ford – “the dean of solo performance” —SF Chronicle

Written & Performed by Judith C
Directed by Rebecca Fisher



Show Description

This serious, yet often funny show, demonstrates the transition from provider to patient and what lessons this role reversal may have.

Much of her motivation for writing and performing this piece comes from the way the media portrays cancer heroes, cancer miracles, and people that ‘fight’ for their lives. She presents options other than the fighting model as a response to cancer.

In the course of the show, using actual conversations with providers, Judith portrays her interactions with the medical establishment in hopes that there can be a better understanding of the journey and choices faced by a person with a catastrophic diagnosis.

Talkbacks and Benefits

Sunday, March 8: Proceeds will go towards Camp Kesem (Berkeley), one of many chapters of a wider organization that supports children through and beyond a parent’s cancer. Founded at Stanford University in 2000, Camp Kesem has since expanded to 116 chapters in 42 states around the country, offering free summer camps for children who have been impacted by this life-changing event.

Camp Kesem Outreach Coordinator Autumn Frlekin and DevelopmentCoordinator Shaked Salem will discuss how the camp brings together a community of children with similar experiences in a safe, welcoming environment to have fun and rediscover their
childhood.


Sunday, March 15: Proceeds will go towards the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic for Low-Income Women with Cancer in Oakland. For 25 years, this free public health clinic and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has provided integrative cancer care and supportive services that complement mainstream cancer treatments. These services include acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, bodywork, guided imagery, movement, and nutritional therapies.

Dr. Loveleena Virk and Dr. Divya Chandrasekar, Palliative Care MDs atKaiser Oakland will discuss approaches that improve the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness.

Sunday, March 22: Proceeds from the final performance will go towards the Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) in Berkeley. This non-profit organization creates opportunities for women with cancer to improve their quality of life through education, supportive services, and
practical assistance.

Dolores Moorehead, WCRC Lead Client Navigator and Multicultural Client Support Clinician, will be accompanied by a client to share how this organization helps people with cancer navigate through the overwhelming health care system, allowing them to get the
appropriate care and treatment they need.

Artist Biography

Judith C, PT, Clinical Specialist in Chronic Pain, had decades of clinical and teaching experience as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a Chronic Pain Management Program.

At age 58, she received a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, with no clear and accepted treatment path, and a limited life expectancy. She unexpectedly began writing and performing as part of a class to help her manage the ‘new normal’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCn5z0XiAwE

Tickets: $20 – $35 sliding scale | $55 & $100 Reserved Seating
Berkeley Main Stage
60 minutes | No Intermission | Ages 18+
Please do not bring infants to the show

For more information on the sliding scale ticketing policy, late seating and reserved seating please click here.

Buy Tix by phone:
Monday – Friday 1 – 4pm, 415.282.3055
(Additional service fees apply)

Also at The Marsh!