LAKEWOOD RANCH - An eco-friendly state of the art healing center is one step closer to reality for cancer patients here on the Suncoast. Friday supporters and staff from the Wellness Community broke ground on a 5-acre site in Lakewood Ranch.
Traci Hanson says the Wellness Community gave her hope when doctors gave her a 30% chance of surviving Leukemia. "They said she had four days to live..." Her son Bobby was four years old at the time. Traci beat the odds and is now cancer free but says she had a hard time reconnecting with Bobby after a long secluded hospital stay. "A quarter of his life I had been gone and he didn't see me as his mom anymore."
But thanks to the Wellness Community's free counseling and programs Traci and her son are whole again.
Their story is one of many and one of the reasons so many people have worked so hard to make the Building Hope campus in Lakewood Ranch a reality. "We couldn't be more excited the day is finally here that we're building a new facility to serve thousands of more people affected by cancer and create the optimal healing environment in which to do so" says executive director Jay Lockaby.
At the groundbreaking a class in the exact spot that will soon become a Tai Chi lawn. Children coloring where there will be a room built as a children's art studio.
"This truly will change the world in the way the world thinks of treating and caring for cancer patients." Board member Charlie Ann Syprett says they've worked to create the optimal healing environment combining things like art yoga music and plant therapy. She says when you reduce stress your immune system stays strong. "And when your immune system is strong you have better chance at recovery. So all of our research is evidence based that the wellness community will in fact enhance your chances of recovery."
Charlie and her husband Jim have donated the money for the dining terrace. "In memory of my parents and my 29-year-old sister who did not win her battle against cancer. But they're here today and I am so proud of this."
Ringling College of Art and Design students helped create the initial concept. The move in date is set for next summer but they still need about $3 million. For more information on the project visit www.helpusbuildhope.com/.
