For some women arriving at the St. Barnabas Hospital Cancer Center for treatment in the early 2000s, Lynn Ferrer was the welcome presence greeting them and easing their pain. The holistic nurse, who died in 2023, used a combination of Reiki (gentle touch), guided imagery, meditation and breath work to help women relax before chemo and radiation.
“Lynn understood that the mind, body and spirit are connected,” says Holly Whitmore Denton, president of the board of directors of the cancer support group WINGS, which was inspired by Ferrer. “She’d go through your whole body so it would be ready to receive treatment. But it was for your mind, too; it helped you relax. It was unbelievable.”
WINGS (Women Inspiring, Nurturing, Giving Strength and Support) began in 2010 in response to the dearth of holistic modalities to help those battling cancer. Since then, the group has been hosting free monthly programs at the Verona Community Center. Typically, a holistic session is followed by an hour-long support group facilitated by a WINGS social worker. “After the healing session, people feel better and really open up,” says Whitmore Denton. “It’s a very relaxed and loving atmosphere.”
Programs include Reiki, chair yoga, meditation, qigong, Tibetan singing bowls, journaling, self-compassion, African drumming and dance. A yearly Healing Kitchen program with holistic health coach Chrissy Davenport helps participants create nutrition plans to boost healing. Every other year, the group hosts a day of healing, with holistic practitioners and speakers, free of charge.
On Wednesday, January 15, there will be a free performance by Moe-tion Dance Theater, a modern dance company run by Maureen Glennon Clayton, a founding member of WINGS. Called COPE, it expresses Clayton’s emotions about her breast cancer diagnosis and double mastectomy. After, she’ll lead an interactive dance session.
“You would think a cancer-support room would be the worst possible room you could ever walk into, and yet it can be joyful,” says Whitmore Denton. “The love is palpable. Everybody understands everybody, and it’s an incredible healing experience.”
For a schedule or to donate, visit wingscancersupport.com.
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