Archtectural Rendering

It’s an historic moment. After many months of our quest for a new home, we’re breaking ground. Tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 14, 2008, more than 100 supporters, elected officials, donors, board members, physicians, counselors, well-wishers, participants, staff, and volunteers will come together to celebrate laying the foundation for the future of cancer care. 

Sarasota is known to be a generous community – and it’s heady and humbling to realize that our mission is so strongly supported. Cancer touches everyone – it may not be you but it is your sister, your mother, your brother, your father. That’s why our mission is to provide FREE cancer support, education and hope to ANYONE affected by cancer, including your loved ones; because cancer affects the whole family. 

Almost everyone involved in this project has had their lives touched with cancer. Hees & Associates, our structural consulting firm, sent us this the night before our groundbreaking ceremony:

“We at Hees & Associates were thrilled when asked to do the structural engineering for the “Building Hope” design team. One of our employees has experienced cancer and has taken advantage of the wonderful programs at the Wellness Center. Knowing what a difference the Wellness Community makes for cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers made this project especially important to us.”

Hees and Associates speaks for many individuals at The Wellness Community. We’re glad we’re here. We’re glad you want us to continue our mission. And we’re glad you want to see us build the optimal healing environment. Visit www.helpusbuildhope.com for more information.

People are living longer and living better with cancer. Please support our campaign to help others with cancer.

Suzanne Dameron,

Consultant, The Wellness Community

My grandmother died of brain cancer in the 1950′s.

My father passed away from bone cancer in the 1990′s.

My mother had breast cancer and survived in 2003.

The Wellness Community of Southwest Florida will be holding workshop series titled Photography and Insight. The Workshops; led by Margaret Stewart, MFA will utilize photography to examine personal experience through the creative process. Participants will use pictures taken on exploratory walks to focus their perception on self and creativity.

Paitents, survivors, friends, family and caregivers welcome. Held on Fridays from October 17th to November 14th, 12:30 -2:30pm. To register call 941-921-5539.

A Clinical Specialist from The Wellness Community of Southwest Florida has written her own Story of Hope to share her experience with those who are interested in the process of Journaling. Below is her story:

As a facilitator of 10 years at The Wellness Community, I’ve had the pleasure of facilitating the journaling group for 4 of those years.  We hear repeatedly from our participants that nothing is the same after a diagnosis of cancer for yourself or a loved one.  People can feel alienated from those they’d been close to and out of control of their lives.  Our priorities shift and our self image undergoes a change and people are often confused about who they are if they aren’t who they were.  This necessitates some introspection to move toward a new equilibrium.  We call the journaling group “Finding Your Way Again” to describe the process.  We pick a topic that helps us look inward, do a brief meditation and write for 20 minutes.  After the writing, people share at whatever is their comfort level, though, because most people do choose to share and get input from others, the level of intimacy is profound.  Because our population is diverse, we get a variety of beliefs about the world and how we fit into it.  I see people discover things about themselves they had never realized, creating a clarity that allows them to move on.  As with so many of our groups, I find great satisfaction in seeing people grow and connect, as well as experiencing growth for myself both emotionally and professionally.  I have learned a deeper intimacy with others and the importance of savoring the moment because one’s life can change in a second.  I am regularly reminded to take stock of my blessings.  These are things that anyone can find at The Wellness Community.

My Story of Hope is the The Wellness Community SWFL blog. The Wellness Community offers hope, support and education to people affected by cancer and their loved ones in 26 centers around the world. Our center in southwest Florida has started this blog to share our Stories of Hope. (Read some of them at www.helpusbuildhope.com/faces) We invite you to share yours by clicking here to send us your story.

What is a Story of Hope?

A Story of Hope is Your Story about the small act, the kind word, the gentle touch of someone that kept you going in your struggle with cancer. Or maybe it is a relative’s struggle with cancer.  It may be simple. It may be complex. It is always something shared with someone in need. If you or someone close to you has been affected by cancer, please share your Story of Hope here.  

Write about your experience and click here to submit. You are welcome to send a photo or image that helps you tell your story better.