Survivor Programs: The Nurture with Nature Series

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition is proud to hold the Nurture with Nature program,  a series that allows breast cancer survivors to come together and experience nature by hiking, kayaking, biking, horseback riding, astronomy, or simply walking through a forest or along a beach.  These outings occur approximately once a month throughout the state.

Kayaking on the Assawomen Bay in Fenwick

DBCC Program Manager, Lois Wilkinson, helped start the program along with former DBCC board member and survivor, Deloris Donnelly.  “There was just a need for this program…one that gives survivors camaraderie with other survivors and lets them know that they have others who they can talk to,” Lois explained.

Unique from the traditional support group, Nurture with Nature takes women out of meeting rooms in hospitals and office buildings and brings them to the great outdoors.  “I know there is a lot of value in traditional support groups, which cannot be unstated,” Nurture with Nature participant Betty Lou Chiffon said.  “However, I found that the Nurture with Nature program that DBCC offers is one of the best prescriptions for me personally.”

Canoeing on Abbotts Mill Pond

The Nurture with Nature series takes breast cancer survivors to historical sites, beaches, lakes, state parks and more.  Rosemary Engle first attended a Peer Mentor training before a Nurture with Nature excursion was recommended to her.  “It was the first time I went kayaking and I was very nervous…I thought ‘Oh my God, can I do this?’” Rosemary said.  She explained that she didn’t know anyone at that first trip and now has made a lot of good friends through the Nurture with Nature program.  “You start getting to know everyone.  All survivors have this common ground and you really make some great friends.”

Kayak Trip at Slaughter Beach

Perhaps the most important part of the Nurture with Nature program is for women to forget about the stress in their lives.  “For those 3 hours or so, these women can forget about their cancer and have a good time,” she said.  Betty Lou agrees.  “Nature can be very nurturing especially when shared with friends…The experience is life-giving and the benefits are truly therapeutic.”

Rosemary explained that the excursions are educational as well and that she has learned some pretty unique things, like the function of the horseshoe crab.  “I’ve just learned so much through this program.  Deloris is a walking encyclopedia on nature and it’s always so interesting.”

Sailing on Kalmar Nyckel

Aside from being outside in nature, the program promotes physical activity too. “With all of the dialogue about how exercise and good nutrition can lower your chances of having breast cancer, the Nurture with Nature series is a chance for these survivors to exercise outdoors.”  Lois explained that some participants try a new activity like hiking or canoeing and return to the sites on their own with friends and family.

Betty Lou sums the program up well.  “We are all a small group of women, breast cancer survivors enjoying thrivership, endeavoring to connect and cultivate positive relationships by enjoying an activity and engaging with nature.” 

To learn more about Nurture with Nature, please click here or call Lois Wilkinson at 302-672-6435.

2010 Recap

In 2010, the Nurture with Nature series held the following programs:

• Horseshoe Crab Count  at Slaughter Beach
• Canoeing Abbotts Mill Pond at Abbotts Mill Nature Center in Milford
• Tour of Peterson Nature Center in Wilmington
• Kayaking at Killens Pond in Felton
• Sailing on Kalmar Nyckel out of Lewes on Delaware Bay
• Kayaking On Assawomen Bay in Fenwick
• Amish Hay Ride and Bon Fire
  

Plans for 2011

In 2011, the Nuture with Nature series hopes to plan more kayaking excursions, an astronomy night at Abbotts Mill Nature Center, a small overnight camping retreat at Killen’s Pond, horseback riding, biking thru Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge, sea glass lecture and beach combing for sea glass.  All of these activities are tentative so please check back on DBCC's event listing for confirmed outings in the spring!