Huntington Hospital Cancer Center offers a free, ongoing creative workshop for cancer patients called Write to Heal. The weekly sessions feature art, music, writing and meditation to assist patients through their cancer journey and beyond.
Patricia Varga, founder of A Woman with Wings (www.womanwwings.com) and the Write to Heal program is the group’s leader. “Write to Heal represents many years of personal research, writing and witnessing how creativity (writing, drawing and imaging) helps people heal on many different levels,” says Varga. “Benefits range from gaining self insight, clarity and relief from anxiety to networking and building, in some cases, lifelong relationships.”
The meetings focus on defining self, setting goals and exploring dreams as opposed to worrying about the inevitable changes a cancer diagnosis may bring. Patients are provided a safe place to learn and share with others who face similar health challenges.
Dominque Romero, a mixed media artist and breast cancer survivor states, “Write to Heal and Patricia Varga are two unexpected gems I received during my journey with breast cancer. Write to Heal is a forum for writing and creating, but also listening and observing women as they are: people, cancer patients and survivors. Through writing, talking, doodling, clay making, interaction and freedom of expression Patricia shows women how to find their light when life seems at its darkest. In my time spent in the Write to Heal program, I have watched women begin to smile again and believe that they are special. To be a part of this has been critical to my healing.”
Ruth Williamson, MD, medical director of Huntington Hospital’s breast program states, “Journaling has been proven to relieve stress and provide a personal point of reference and focus to patients as they note their perspectives on fears, joy, hope and healing – the gamut of feelings they might experience with a breast cancer diagnosis. I think the work Patricia Varga is doing is exceptional and I am proud that Huntington Hospital offers this to our patients.”
Romero’s work is currently on display at Prime Grind Coffee House, in Downtown Los Angeles and Mix ‘n Munch, in South Pasadena. Ten percent of her sales are donated art to help breast cancer patients in need of financial assistance.
If interested in learning more about the Write to Heal program at Huntington Hospital, contact Huntington Hospital Cancer Center at 397-2425. Write to Heal is also available at Glendale Adventist Medical Center.
WHERE/WHEN:
Mondays, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Huntington Hospital Cancer Center conference room
Huntington Pavilion
625 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 100
Pasadena