Durango will hold its first cancer-wellness conference, “The Art of Living Well With and Beyond Cancer,” this month at the Powerhouse Science Center, 1333 Camino del Rio, and Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave.
“Geographically isolated areas and rural communities are often under-served in comparison with bigger cities. We’re very fortunate to be able to bring together providers, patients, survivors, family members and caregivers for an event that inspires hope and a healthy survivorship,” Toni Abbey, Blueprints of Hope executive director, said in a news release. Blueprints of Hope, a nonprofit, is sponsoring and producing the events.
A kickoff program will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 22 at the Powerhouse, which will include a keynote address, “The Healing Power of Hope,” by Dr. Wendy Harpham, who is an author, patient advocate, internist and cancer survivor.
Harpham was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1990 and has survived seven cancer occurrences. She is the author of seven books, including Happiness in a Storm, Only 10 Seconds to Care and When a Parent has Cancer. Harpham has been cancer-free for the last 10 years.
Live music by Caitlin Canon and Kate Willyard, along with food from Hot Tomatoes, will be featured.
Local and regional providers will conduct workshops from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 23 at the rec center to help people identify action steps that lead to a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthier foods, mindfulness and meditation, yoga, exercising and connecting with others.
“Hope heals,” Abbey said. “One of the ways we develop a sense of hope is through a supportive network of caring people. This conference will help individuals on many levels, but most importantly, it will give people viable ways to make the most of life as they travel through the cancer journey.”
Tickets for both days are $40, and $15 for the Saturday conference only. Lunch on Saturday is included.
fstone@durangoherald.com
