Now in its 4th iteration, the Breast Cancer Survivorship Workshop Series offers local breast cancer survivors an opportunity to engage in the creative arts with others who share their journey, and to find strength, comfort and purpose as they learn to thrive after the conclusion of their treatment.
Spearheaded by the Watson Clinic Foundation Arts in Medicine program and made possible through a generous grant provided by the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and the participation of various community partners, the series consists of classes aimed at engaging participants in various creative skills that promote a sense of health and healing, including art journaling, yoga, gardening, and more.
“A survivor may face difficulties transitioning into their new reality after their treatment has come to an end. These classes have proven overwhelmingly positive and empowering for survivors throughout our community who are going through that transition,” says Arts in Medicine Program Coordinator Tiffany Van Wieren. “That’s why we’ve decided to offer two separate class schedules for our spring sessions, which will allow us to accommodate even more survivors.”
Eligible survivors who are interested in taking part can RSVP for only one of two sets of classes that are held once a month. The first set occurs on Tuesdays while the other takes place on Thursdays. The class schedules are as follows:
Class Title: Survivorship Care
Venue: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center – Conference Room
Address: 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
Date: Tuesday, March 19 or Thursday, March 7 from 5:30 pm - 7 pm
Description: Board-certified Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center Oncologist/Hematologist Sunil Rohatgi, MD shares insights on managing your health as you move forward in survivorship. Attendees will also receive a Survivorship Care Plan Guidebook.
Class Title: The ART of Connection
Venue: Polk Museum of Art - Classroom
Address: 800 E. Palmetto Street, Lakeland, FL 33801
Date: Thursday, April 4 or Tuesday, April 16 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Description: Art connects us to ourselves and to one another. Polk Museum of Art instructors will guide attendees as they produce a process art piece and learn about the health benefits of creating.
Class Title: Building Strength through Movement
Venue: Satya Life Yoga
Address: Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland, FL 33801
Date: Thursday, May 2 or Tuesday, May 21 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Description: Rebuilding strength in survivorship is crucially important to your health. One of the most joyful means of accomplishing this is through yoga. This workshop is guided by Satya Life Yoga.
Class Title: Healing with Horticulture
Venue: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center – Conference Room
Address: 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
Date: Thursday, June 6 or Tuesday, June 18 from 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Description: Gardening has many mental and physical benefits. The Garden Club of Lakeland will help attendees create small Zen succulent gardens to take home or give as a gift.
These classes are available at no cost and are open to breast cancer survivors throughout our community who are within their first five years of survivorship (as determined by their date of diagnosis). There are a limited number of seats available. Participants who prefer to sign up for the Thursday classes must do so by Monday, March 4, and registrations for the Tuesday class schedule must be submitted by Friday, March 15. To submit a registration request, visit WatsonClinic.com/Survivorship or call 863-603-4718 for more information.