Photo by Marcella HerreraHealth
Canopy hosts 5th Annual Women’s Health Panel ‘Her Health Story’ empowering Women through Knowledge, Self-Advocacy and Community
Dozens of women gathered at Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center on Wednesday, October 21, for the fifth annual Women’s Health Panel, “Her Health Story.” The informative and empowering event was dedicated to sharing information, encouraging self-advocacy and reminding every woman in the room that she does not face her health journey alone.
Moderated by Kristina Keller, author, breast cancer survivor and TEDx speaker, the panel brought together three perspectives on women’s health: breast surgical oncology, psycho-oncology and community cancer support. The conversation covered prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and emotional well-being.
Dr. Mahsa Mossadegh, MD, FACS, a board-certified general surgeon with clinical interests in breast cancer, urged attendees to “get acquainted with yourself and your body” and to speak up without being intimidated. “You’re not alone,” she said. “Look to the left, look to the right – you’re going to find someone who’s been diagnosed with cancer or been a caregiver.”
Darcie Champagne Wells, President and CEO of CanCare, spoke to the power of connection. “What you want in community looks different for everyone,” she said, noting the many free and valuable programs offered at Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center and the very robust cancer support community in the greater Houston area. “When you’re in the cancer journey, you have to take off your superhero cape and let others around you support you and love you. Let others step up to help you.”
Dr. Bonita Sur, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Director of Psycho-Oncology at UT Health Houston, addressed the emotional side of a diagnosis. She encouraged women to focus on “letting go of what’s outside of your control and channeling that into other things that make you feel more connected, loved and purposeful.”
Neeta Raj of The Art of Living led a brief guided meditation and introduction to a new program at Canopy called Healing Breaths occurring every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month and a part of Healing Mornings at Canopy which is on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Canopy is grateful to all of its partners, panelists and guests for making this year’s event a success.
“Our hope is that each guest walked out knowing her body a little better, feeling a little braver about advocating for herself, and certain that she never has to walk this road alone,” said Marcella Herrera, Program Manager who oversees daily operations at Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center. “Five years in, this panel is still one of the clearest expressions of what Canopy is here to do.”
The afternoon also included raffle prizes and giveaways from Memorial Hermann’s In the Pink of Health, Perspire Sauna Studio and Love and Light Foundation.
Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center is dedicated to “Elevating Life Above Cancer,” supporting survivors and their families through free education, support and programming regardless of treatment location. To learn more visit woodlandscanopy.org. Canopy is located at 1120 Medical Plaza Dr., Suite 250, The Woodlands, TX 77380.
View moments from the event on the Hello Woodlands Facebook page:
Source: Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center
