Art, Poetry Program Helps Aid Individuals Touched by Cancer
August 31, 2005

Roper St. Francis Healthcare has announced that “Expressions of Healing,” a free program that helps cancer patients, survivors and loved ones cope with emotions related to a cancer diagnosis, will begin its fall session on Wednesday, September 14. Classes will be held in Roper Hospital’s Irene Dixon Auditorium from 7-8:30 p.m. Complimentary parking is available.

“Expressions of Healing,” which consists of six weekly sessions, recognizes art as a powerful tool in helping individuals touched by cancer cope with the stress related to that illness. No art or writing experience is required for participation. A journal and art supplies are provided for each person participating in the course, which is now in its eighth year.

“Cancer impacts people in ways other than physical,” explained South Carolina Poet Laureate Marjory Wentworth, who leads the workshops with Nancy Hackard, an art therapist with the S.C. Department of Mental Health. “The healing process must take into account the needs of the whole person – emotional, spiritual, mental and social, as well as physical.”

Both Wentworth and Hackard have experience in working with people in a therapeutic learning environment. As credentialed professionals in their respective fields of literary and visual art, their goal is to guide those who attend the sessions in using their creativity to express feelings that reflect their experience with cancer. Bob Morris, Roper St. Francis Healthcare’s Director of Pastoral Services, also lends assistance and support to program participants.