World Cancer Day aims to unite the world in the fight against cancer. Its goal is to raise awareness, educate and engage everyone in talking about cancer. Locally, Enliven—a Muskoka-based group that provides cancer self-care programs and support for both people living with cancer and their caregivers—is hosting an open house.
There will be numerous speakers including naturopathic doctors Brandy Strelec and Brian Knappett, yoga instructor Allie Chisholm-Smith, nutritionist Justine Brown, and Monique Charlton to talk about how writing can provide self-care.
“We are encouraging everyone to come to the open house no matter if they have had cancer or not,” said chair of fundraising, Brandy Strelec, who has been part of the organization since its inception in 2016. “We want to create an open, honest and candid conversation about the disease that affects one in two people. It’s a worldwide epidemic so we need to be prepared to provide support.”
They want more people to know about the help that is available to them.
“A lot of people in the community still don’t know about Enliven,” said Strelec, who is part of an 11-member board that just welcomed its newest member, executive director Jackie Riley. “There’s a huge need for cancer support outside of chemo, radiation, etc. We are here to offer events such as writing and journalling classes, nutrition talks to help support patients during chemo, yoga classes to aid people with movement, and more.”
The closest organization of its kind is in Barrie, notes Strelec. “We really hope to grow and be in the community for a long time. In Muskoka, we have many resources at our disposal so we want to reach out to all of Muskoka and Parry Sound to provide support.”
So far two events in the community have pledged to donate all or part of their proceeds to Enliven: the TriMuskoka Winter Indoor Triathlon Classic and the Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area Ladies Day.
Although the open house is free, donations are greatly appreciated. If you can’t attend, donations can also be made here.
The open house will take place at Ahimsa, 59 Main St E Upstairs, on February 4 from 4-6 p.m. Refreshments and light snacks will also be provided at the event.
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