Spring Spa Day tailored to breast cancer patients
By Linda Lemond Post-Tribune correspondent
April 23, 2008
Everyone loves being pampered.
For a woman dealing with breast cancer, the chance to be pampered can be a welcome diversion from the challenges she faces daily.
Spring Spa Day, organized by the Oncology Services Department at The Methodist Hospitals and sponsored by the Pink Ribbon Society, gives breast cancer patients and survivors that opportunity.
Spring Spa Day will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at The Methodist Hospitals in Merrillville Center for Advanced Clinical Studies. This is the second year for the event.
"This is not a clinical experience," said Marie Bates, oncology research coordinator. "We want this event to be a break from the stresses of being diagnosed or living with breast cancer.
"My goal is for these women to have a truly enjoyable experience and understand that there is a network of people here that really cares about them."
The event has been well-received, Bates said.
"The outpouring of support is amazing; we've really grown since last year," she said. "We're going to have a light breakfast, goody bags with various donated items, as well as the events focusing on physical and mental health.
"We want to give attendees an opportunity to pamper themselves with services related to skin care, massage, fitness and much more."
Bates was impressed by the willingness of businesses to help with the event.
"There are pharmaceutical companies providing items for the event," she said. "Panera Breads is providing food through its Operation Dough-nation. I don't recall asking anyone to help and having them turn me down."
Breast cancer survivor Donna Dolniak will speak at the event. Her topic will be "Never Giving Up on My Dreams."
Dolniak was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2002. According to information provided by Methodist: "Donna has become very active with the American Cancer Society. She is a member of the American Cancer Society's Survivor Cultivation Committee and participates in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life as a team member for Ella's Pride.
"Most recently, Donna was a speaker at the American Cancer Society's Corporate Kickoff Breakfast for Making Strides against Breast Cancer, where the entire audience embraced her and her story of becoming a breast cancer survivor."
One of the highlights of the day will be a traveling art exhibit called "Lilly Oncology on Canvas." It was started by Eli Lilly and Company in 2004 as a way to honor those affected by the devastating disease.
"Cancer patients and their families are invited to submit artwork depicting the cancer experience," Bates said. "The traveling exhibit goes all over the world. We were lucky enough to get it here for the Spring Spa."
Bates said she hopes Spring Spa Day will become a regular feature on the hospital's calendar.
"This is our second year providing this event, and we hope it continues to grow," she said. "Last year, we received an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone who attended the event, including patients, vendors and volunteers."
If you go
What: Spring Spa Day for breast cancer survivors
Where: The Methodist Hospitals in Merrillville, Center for Advanced Clinical Studies
When: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday
To register: Call 757-7212; the last day to register is Thursday.
For more information: Call Amber Raza, marketing-corporate communication, The Methodist Hospitals, 886-4474.
Back to "In the News"
Back to top
|
