By Valarie Schwartz, columnist
There used to be words that people simply did not say in “polite company.†The “C-Word†was one of them. But it’s pretty much unavoidable, now, in these days when the latest statistics show that during the course of a lifetime, one in four people will get the C-Word — cancer.
In this community, our choices when dealing with cancer continue beyond excellent health services to the supportive practices of Cornucopia House, which since 1996 has offered programs and services to help heal the mind and spirit of not only those afflicted with cancer but their loved ones as well. Sooner or later, we all know someone dealing with cancer and learn that whatever the outcome, cancer creates a process that leaves most people profoundly changed.
Cornucopia House helps people through the process, with Healing Touch massages, acupuncture, restorative yoga, Reiki and polarity sessions; estate planning; and support groups. Shared Journeys (previously called Peer Connect) offers a match with someone who is one year ahead on a similar path, whether it be a person in treatment or a caregiver.
As the only such support center in the Triangle, Cornucopia House has understandably found itself inundated with people in need.
“The latest statistics tell us that there are a lot of people out there who need a lot of help,†said Mary Lawrence, executive director. “It’s quite a challenge.â€
Lawrence took the helm very suddenly in May 2008. She had lived for 32 years in a Chicago suburb when she found herself spending a lot of time in Chapel Hill, where her parents (and sister and brother) had moved after her father had a heart attack. When it was time for her to return home, her parents begged her to stay, so she took a look at the nonprofit (where she’d enjoyed a long career) job market and saw the job available.
“I sent in my resume on Wednesday,†she said, noting that it was the only job she applied for. She got a call Thursday for an interview Friday, and by the following Thursday accepted the position.
Money aside — which has been challenging for every nonprofit during these turbulent economic times — the greatest challenge for Lawrence and the agency has been finding ways to serve the growing clientele within the limited space of its location.
“Everything offered happens from the same space,†Lawrence said. “We’re limited by the services we can provide. We’re in a double-bind. We can’t really afford more space without the help of an angel.â€
Yet, they are looking, hoping to find a new space. In the meantime, a very special fundraising theatrical event will be offered on Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at University Mall, when award-winning actress Barbara Bates Smith presents The C-Word: An Art-Meets-Life Cancer Story, about how Smith went from being the actress in Wit, a one-woman show about a woman’s experience with cancer, to being a woman with her own cancer experience. Smith and accompanying musician Jeff Sebens will donate their performances; Debbie DiSabatino, a Pittsboro food stylist, will provide a healthy table of hors d’oeuvres, including recipes.
“Nutrition and healthy-food demonstrations are the programs that always fill up completely,†Lawrence said. “There’s a growing awareness of how critical good eating is, especially to survivors.â€
And of course, we know how healthy it is to laugh — even about something as serious as the C-Word, which Smith will deftly present from a poignant, yet comical perspective.
Tickets are $50 each, seating is limited and reservations must be made by Oct. 19 by calling 401-9333 — which, by the way, is the same number any angels looking for a place to spread their wings may use.
Special note: Mark your calendars for the Cornucopia House annual fundraiser, “A Chocolate Affaire,†being ever-so-decadently presented on Valentine’s Day 2010 at the Carolina Club.
Contact Valarie Schwartz at 923-3746 or valariekays (at) mac.com