After confessing to a friend I'd never heard of the DIVA program at
ThriveWell Cancer Foundation, I was invited to attend their first big luncheon where David Robinson was to be keynote speaker. My thought was 'what better way to hear about a program that helps cancer patients, than from one of San Antonio's most dynamic philanthropists?' My other confession is when Tony Parker walked passed me to sit at the table with Robinson, I felt like a teenager seeing the Beatles for the first time on Ed Sullivan.
I did settle down and listen as Freda Robinson, breast cancer survivor and David Robinson's mother, gave her testimony as a participant in ThriveWell's DIVA program. She has a genuineness about her, and a delightful, soft sense of humor. I was struck by Mrs. Robinson's sincere gratitude for DIVA and all it had done for her and her family during lengthy cancer treatments.
When ThriveWell talks DIVA, they don't mean Maria Callas or Beyonce. DIVA stands for Deriving Inspiration and Vitality Through Activity. DIVA is a free nutritional and exercise program specifically designed for women with breast cancer. It includes dietary guidance, exercise classes in yoga, Tai Chi, and Zumba, and even an art program called Artful Healing. This program is available throughout all phases of treatment and is specially geared for cutting cancer recurrence levels. Mrs. Robinson spoke from the heart when she said, "DIVA bridges the gap and picks up where the medical treatments leave off. ThriveWell offers programs that make you feel good about yourself."
David Robinson, having seen the advantages of the DIVA program in his mother's recovery process, encouraged attendees to get the word out and support ThriveWell. "Don't under estimate this program's help. They walk their patients through a process and bring them through the other side — thinking about life," was one of Robinson's many sincere remarks.
While it is a fairly new nonprofit, having been established in 2007, ThriveWell Cancer Foundation clearly seems to be on the right track in their focus on breast cancer patients' overall well being. ThriveWell has several other equally as important programs. The organization supports doctors who conduct cutting-edge research toward fighting cancer and provides assistance by helping pay insurance co-pays, as well as treatment related housing and transportation. If you know someone who needs this kind of help, go to their
website for more information.
Live Well!
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Photos courtesy of ThriveWell Cancer Foundation.