The road to breast cancer survivorship requires tenacity, optimism, and lots of support. Once treatment has ended, it can be difficult for a survivor to acclimate to their new reality, especially when those avenues of support that were so prominent during their struggle 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.
“We hosted our first survivorship series last year, and were so encouraged by the response we received from the survivors who participated,” says Watson Clinic Foundation Arts in Medicine Program Coordinator Tiffany Van Wieren. “Engaging in the creative arts in the company of others who share their journey was tremendously empowering and meaningful to each of them.”
The second series of classes are set to begin in March for a new panel of participants with the support of local partners including the Polk Museum of Art, Florida Dance Theater, 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, March 2 from 5:30 pm - 7 pm
Description: Board-certified Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center oncologist/hematologist Shalini Mulaparthi, MD discusses expectations and 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 6 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: Healing with Horticulture
Venue: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center – Conference Room
Address: 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
Date: Thursday, May 4 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: Building Strength through Movement
Venue: Florida Southern College – Alumni Room
Address: 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801
Date: Thursday, June 1 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 dance. This workshop is guided by Lakeland's own Florida Dance Theater.
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 Friday, February 24 in order to be eligible for this second series.
To submit a registration request for this workshop series online, visit WatsonClinic.com/Survivorship or call 863-603-4718 for more information.