Inspired by her participation in Life Beyond Cancer two years in a row and by the encouragement of a patient who accompanied her one year, Jill Dickerson, R.N., manager – nurse services, with Tyler Cancer Center, recently organized a mini Life Beyond Cancer retreat in her community.

The two-day event was supported entirely by donations from area businesses and grants from several drug companies.  Presentations included Edith Eager, Ph.D., who shared her message of encouragement and personal growth as an Auschwitz survivor; Dr. Sasha Vukelja and representatives from various wellness organizations.  Activities included pilates, water aerobics, yoga, massage, make-up application, spiritual sessions, and art classes conducted by Shannon Stringer, wife of Sammons Cancer Center’s Dr. Allen Stringer, and Debra Stephen, the patient who encouraged Dickerson on the event.

“We really tried to focus the event on living well, and not necessarily on cancer,” said Dickerson.  “The patients were a tremendous support and encouragement for one another.  It was so interesting and rewarding to see how new friendships were developed, and the camaraderie and spirit of participants was absolutely reviving.”