Lakeland, FL —According to the American Cancer Society, there are currently 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Learning how to lead your healthiest and most fulfilled life following breast cancer treatment can be challenging, but it’s essential to thriving on your journey through survivorship.
The Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine (AIM) program is pleased to present a series of educational and creative workshops that empower survivors to reconnect with their community and their sense of self. These workshops are made possible thanks to a generous grant provided by the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by breast cancer through research, education, advocacy, living expense, mammogram, and medical item programs.
“You’ve transitioned into breast cancer survivorship, but now what?” asks Watson Clinic Foundation Arts in Medicine Program Coordinator Tiffany Van Wieren. “While every experience is unique, transitioning into survivorship can bring many questions. These classes will help to light the way!”
With the support of local partners – including the Polk Museum of Art, Florida Dance Theater, and the Garden Club of Lakeland -the Breast Cancer Survivorship Series will be offered twice yearly, and consists of four classes per series. The first series of four classes begins in September and continues on the first Thursday of each month through December.
Class Title: Survivorship Care
Venue: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center – Conference Room
Address: 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
Date: Thursday, September 1from 5:30pm-7:00pm
Description: Board-certified Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center oncologist/hematologist Galina Vugman, 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, October 6 from 5:30pm-7:30pm
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: Florida Southern College – Alumni Room
Address: 111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801
Date: Thursday, November 3 from 5:30pm-7:30pm
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.
Class Title: Healing with Horticulture
Venue: Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center – Conference Room
Address: 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33805
Date: Thursday, December 1 from 5:30pm-7:00pm
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 just in time for Christmas!
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 August 22, 2022 in order to be eligible for the first series.
To submit a registration request for this workshop series online, 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.