Those looking to take part in a community event to bring awareness and raise money for cancer research have a chance to do just that March 29.
FOX16 News anchor Donna Terrell is hosting a yoga event, “Donna Terrell’s Yoga Warriors Fighting Colon Cancer,” March 29 (Saturday) at 10 a.m. The 45-minute class, led by Breezy Osborne, of Barefoot Studio, is free to the public, and will include a silent auction to help raise funds. An American Cancer Society representative will also be on-site to take donations.
Terrell’s daughter, Queah (Qway-yah), passed away in March 2011 after her battle against colon cancer. During her battle, Queah found yoga helpful, and it’s a big reason why Terrell is now trying to bring that tool to others now battling the disease.
The event, which will occur during the National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, will take place on the outdoor terrace of the Marriott at 3 Statehouse Plaza in downtown Little Rock.
LR Soirée: Where did the idea of a yoga class for those battling cancer come from?
DT: My daughter Queah was diagnosed with colon cancer when she was 27. When her cancer went into remission she discovered yoga as a way to stay fit, ease stress, and clear her mind and body of toxins from chemotherapy. The Cancer Hospital where she was a patient offered free yoga classes to cancer patients for that reason. The belief is that Yoga is a relaxing exercise and allows the body to de-stress. The body is able to heal itself much more successfully when stress levels are low.
LR Soirée: How did the partnership with Breezy Osborne develop?
DT: I asked Breezy if she would agree to conduct the class and she graciously accepted. I thought of her because I’m aware of Barefoot Studios and it’s growth in our community. Plus, Breezy is an excellent instructor and I’ve always been impressed with her Yoga expertise as well as her calming demeanor. I just figured she would be a great fit for this event. I’m thrilled she’s part of it and can’t imagine anyone else instructing this class.
LR Soirée: Describe the organizing of this event. How has it gone?
DT: I along with some of my coworkers are organizing it.To be totally honest for me this project feels like it’s the most important thing I’ll do all year. I’m doing this in honor of Queah, my only child, and I miss her everyday. It’s a labor of love. But there’s another component. I am doing stories on Fox16 News at 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. all this month on colon cancer survivors – especially young people. It appears the number of young people battling this disease is rising every year. The American Cancer Guidelines suggests colon cancer screening at age 50 – younger if there’s a family history. But too many of our young people go undiagnosed because no one, not even doctors, suspect colon cancer unless there’s a family history. Problem with that is by the time they’re diagnosed the cancer has spread and they’re in the late stages of the disease. Colon cancer is the most treatable cancer but it’s best to catch it early.
LR Soirée: How beneficial do you think this activity could be to those currently battling cancer?
DT: It’s low impact. You can work out at your own pace or level and it’s relaxing. And if you just want to lay on the mat and soak up the sun and morning air and only do a few poses that’s totally fine. I think many people feel you have to be in tip top shape to do yoga but it’s the type of exercise you build on. I would like to see those battle cancer, any kind of cancer, and people who are cancer free to come and enjoy this activity.
LR Soirée: What would you say to encourage someone who is interested in the event, but nervous about being able to successfully do the moves, to participate?
DT: Don’t worry one bit. I can’t do the moves either. Yoga was my daughter’s exercise, not necessarily mine, but I’m going to try it just like everyone else who comes to “Donna Terrell’s Yoga Warriors Fighting Colon Cancer” event. Maybe I’ll be good at it, maybe I won’t. But one thing I know for sure – it made my daughter feel so much better and gave her a clearer mind to tackle what she was facing. And she did it while she was sick.
LR Soirée: Is this something you would like to see become an annual event?
DT: Absolutely. I think this year’s event will be fabulous, but I want to build on it and watch it grow. It’s a way to offer exercise to generate more healthy Arkansans. It’s also another way to bring this horrible disease to the forefront and remind people young and old that they should pay attention to changes in their bodies and not be afraid to go to the doctor when things aren’t right. It also continues the effort to raise money for cancer research and survivors. As my daughter would say “we’re going to kick colon cancer’s butt and we’re taking names.”