The road to breast cancer survivorship can be an arduous one, but a patient might face additional challenges once their treatment has ended. Survivors might have difficulty acclimating to their new reality, especially when the avenues of support that were so abundant during their treatment suddenly disappear. That’s where the Breast Cancer Survivorship Series comes in.
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 Breast Cancer Survivorship Series offers a series of four classes aimed at helping survivors reconnect to their sense of community, purpose and self.
“This is our third time offering classes to breast cancer survivors in our community, and the response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic and meaningful,” says Watson Clinic Foundation Arts in Medicine Program Coordinator Tiffany Van Wieren. “These classes offer an opportunity to engage in the creative arts, among others who share similar journeys through survivorship. The camaraderie between our class participants is empowering.”
Classes are set to begin in September for a new panel of participants with the support of local partners including the Polk Museum of Art, Satya Life, and the Garden Club of Lakeland. The class schedule is as follows:
Class Title: Survivorship Care
Venue: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center – Conference Room
Address: 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
Date: Thursday, September 28 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: Healing with Horticulture
Address: 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
Date: Thursday, October 12 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.
Class Title: The ART of Connection
Venue: Polk Museum of Art - Classroom
Address: 800 E. Palmetto Street, Lakeland, FL 33801
Date: Thursday, November 9 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: 112 E. Pine Street, Lakeland, FL 33801
Date: Thursday, December 14 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 intentional movement. This workshop is guided by Satya Life Yoga.
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, and participants must register prior to
Monday, September 25 in order to be eligible for the series.
To submit a registration request for this workshop series online, visit WatsonClinic.com/Survivorship or call 863-603-4718 for more information.