Thanks to a generous grant from the George Foundation, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is unveiling a new program designed to promote healing, discussion and camaraderie among local cancer survivors.

Texas Department of State Health Services data shows that approximately 2,500 Fort Bend County residents are diagnosed with cancer each year, and many of these individuals have needs that extend outside of their treatment and care. The oncology team at Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land recognized the lack of local support services designed specifically for cancer survivors. With help from the Houston Methodist Foundation, they approached The George Foundation for funding support to develop a comprehensive program, resulting in a $40,000 grant.

“With the tremendous strides made in cancer care, we are seeing more and more survivors live long and productive lives after their treatment ends,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology and infusion therapy services. “But these survivors, most over the age of 50, often require specialized services to overcome the physical and emotional impacts of their disease and treatment. There really was nothing comprehensive offered in Fort Bend, so we decided to create our own program – one that provides a range of services centered around art, music, exercise, massage and nutrition. All are designed to improve physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual health, and are free of charge.”

The first program, Thriving Through Creative Arts, debuted in May 2017 and offers survivors a chance to relax and express themselves through art — a proven approach to help cope with the aftermath of cancer and cancer treatment.

Beginning in November, Houston Methodist Sugar Land will offer survivors a monthly creative movement program. 

“Survivors will find that these sessions help improve their balance, coordination and agility, all of which are important in our daily lives,” said Sebastian-Deutsch.

In December, the hospital will add music therapy to its offerings. This program is designed to improve muscle relaxation, mood management and expression of emotion.

“Music has a way of tapping into our emotions and enabling us to reflect and acknowledge how we feel,” said Sebastian-Deutsch. “There are health benefits, too -- for example, music can have a positive impact on both heart rate and blood pressure, and can even help the body release natural painkilling chemicals.”

Other services in the program include massage and aromatherapy to help alleviate stress, pain and other side effects from cancer treatment. Massage services are offered through the Houston Methodist Wellness Services.

Local cancer survivors and their caregivers are encouraged to attend an introductory evening to sample each of the program’s offerings in our Brazos Pavilion Conference Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m Thursday, Oct. 19. A number of local vendors will be present, including Kendra Scott jewelry, who will donate 20 percent of proceeds from the evening to the survivorship program. There will also be complimentary snacks and mocktails. Registration is required. We kindly request those registering be 18 years or older. Go to events.houstonmethodist.org/survivorship-sl or call 281.274.7500 to register.