Advocating for oneself is a key component that highlights most Wellness Wednesdays sessions at the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic — and August’s was no exception.
Representatives from Gilda’s Club Metro Detroit were featured speakers on a range of topics involving cancer, from sharing healthy tips to fight fatigue and managing hypersomnia and insomnia, to how to report and get relief from pain.
“If you are a cancer survivor, be an empowered survivor,’’ said Tiffany Chenault, Gilda’s Club program manager, who presented alongside Rachel Wasserman, the nonprofit’s events and community engagement manager. “We say at Gilda’s Club that community is stronger than cancer. You feel less lonely and isolated. Create a healthy lifestyle plan for yourself.’’
Included in a list of actions for cancer survivors were:
- Stay in the moment
- Help others understand what you need
- Do what you enjoy
- Hope for many things
Alexis Harvey, who facilitates the monthly women’s support group, said of the session: “People need to know that there is free support out there, not only for people going through a cancer diagnosis but for families, caregivers, and children. Gilda’s Club truly is a one-stop supportive shop.’’
SAY Clinic celebrated two milestones today: It was the first time Wellness Wednesdays’ monthly women’s support group was held at the clinic’s new facility at 1355 Oakman Boulevard in Detroit. That was big, and made more beautiful by a small group of A Time to Help volunteers who finished planting flowers just before the event! With 26 participants, the event was filled to capacity.
The second one was way more personal: The participants celebrated the most senior woman among them, Clara Rich, who turned 99 last month.
“Come dance with me!’’ Alexis Harvey, who leads the monthly events, beckoned the almost-centenarian. And up popped Clara. She danced, and danced, and danced some more as the group sang and clapped.
Clara was born July 6, 1926, one of 13 children in her family. She served as a riveter in a factory near Chicago during WWII. She supported her own family of four years later as a teacher and an attorney before becoming an administrative law judge, according to her daughter Kathy.
Asked for advice on longevity and living a good life, Clara, who lives in Highland Park, MI., told the group: “Keep an open mind, be cheerful all the time, and never blame somebody for something you’ve been doing. And never, ever let anyone delegate power over you. No matter how mixed up the world is, there is peace inside of me.’’
Wellness Wednesdays’ next discussion and luncheon is Sept. 17 at the SAY Clinic. Registration is required. Please call 313-758-6100 to claim your spot.
