The Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine program has announced the dates for their next series of Breast Cancer Survivorship Workshop sessions. The series is open to patients who have completed their breast cancer treatment journey and are facing the difficult and uncertain transition into survivorship.

 

“The creative arts provide an ideal forum where participants can share a bonding experience with others who share in their journey,” reports Arts in Medicine Program Coordinator Tiffany Van Wieren. “Whether they’re taking part in art journaling, yoga, or gardening, these activities empower a feeling of calm and focus that many patients are yearning for following the stresses of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment regimen.”

 

Eligible survivors who are interested in taking part can RSVP for only one of two sets of classes that are held once a month. One set of classes takes place on Tuesdays while the other occurs on Thursdays. The class schedules are as follows:

 

Class Title: The ART of Connection

Venue: Polk Museum of Art - Classroom

Address: 800 E. Palmetto Street, Lakeland, FL 33801

Date: Tuesday, January 14 or Thursday, April 10 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: Survivorship Care

Venue: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center – Conference Room

Address: 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805

Date: Tuesday, January 28 or Thursday, March 6 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: Building Strength through Movement

Venue: Satya Life Yoga

Address: Florida Southern College, 111 Lake Hollingsworth, Lakeland, FL 33801

Date: Tuesday, February 25 or Thursday, June 5 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: Tuesday, February 11 or Thursday, May 8 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 Tuesday classes must do so by Friday, January 10, and registrations for the Thursday class schedule must be submitted by Monday, March 3. To submit a registration request, visit WatsonClinic.com/Survivorship or call 863-603-4718 for more information.

 

ABOUT THE WATSON CLINIC FOUNDATION ARTS IN MEDICINE PROGRAM: Housed in the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center at 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland, the Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine program offers all forms of the expressive arts - including creative activities such as watercolor painting, origami, and mosaics - for cancer patients, caregivers and family members at the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center. Research shows that these creative outlets reduce anxiety and create an environment that is more conducive to healing. For more information, visit www.WatsonClinic.com/AIM.