|
The day’s program
began with a personal story of hope and survivorship by Marilyn Pace Maxwell,
Executive Director of Mountain Empire Older Citizens, who is also a two-time
breast cancer survivor. She spoke of the importance of identifying oneself as
a cancer survivor immediately after diagnosis instead of waiting until the
artificial five year marker of being cancer-free.
“A cancer
survivor I learned is ‘anyone with a history of cancer from the time of
diagnosis and for the remainder of life, whether that is days or decades.’
That definition gave me a way to live in the moment. I did not have to wait
for an artificial five-year marker of being cancer free before I could think
about surviving,” Maxwell said. “By immediately thinking of myself as a
survivor, I could concern myself with my quality of life from diagnosis
onward. It is living with, through and beyond cancer.”
She spoke of the
importance of being proactive in her treatment process. She felt she needed to
obtain a second opinion at a major medical center and she chose the Cancer
Center at Duke in Durham, North Carolina. Maxwell set a goal of finding the
right physicians who offered the most cutting edge treatment.
“And I achieved
that goal. I cannot imagine going through the cancer journey without a caring
physician and without a team of specialists with me at the helm,” she said.
Following a morning
brainstorming session on the challenges of being a cancer survivor, the I Can
Cope participants listened as Diana Grant Dyer, a three-time cancer survivor
told her story. Dyer, who is also a health care professional, is the author of
“A Dietitian’s Cancer Story,” where she offers unique perspectives on
health and well-being after cancer.
She spoke of her
experience as a cancer patient, her desire to overcome challenges and how she
has been able to heal and cope. Dyer spoke on the importance of incorporating
health, peace and purpose in our lives. Her message was one of hope and
healing.
Following lunch,
participants at the Big Stone Gap location were treated to an afternoon of fun
and laughter with Dr. Sharmi Mehta’s interactive presentation on Laughter
Yoga.
Dr. Mehta spoke
briefly about the origins of Laughter Yoga, which begin in India under the
direction of Dr. Madan Kataria in March 1995. Dr. Kataria, was a family
physician from Mumbai, India, whose research lead him to discover an
overwhelming body of scientific literature that described in great length the
proven benefits of laughter on the human mind and body.
The resulting
Laughter Yoga technique is a blend of yogic deep breathing, stretching,
simulated laughter exercises and cultivated child-like playfulness. Started
with just five people in 1995, the Laughter Yoga movement has grown into a
world wide movement with more than 5,000 clubs operating all throughout the
world.
|
