Women learn to “LiveBetter”

Those at the LiveBetter Women's Festival got a chance to shake it loose with The Dance Studio.

A chance encounter with a mother and daughter showed Craig Castro the value of the “LiveBetter” Women’s Festival on Oct. 6 at Clovis Community Medical Center.

He watched a mother and daughter walking, holding hands and laughing as they approached the incline of the reflection pond.

“I introduced myself to the lovely mother and daughter,” said Castro, chief executive officer of Clovis Community.

“The mother looked me in the eyes and said, ‘thank you for creating such a positive memory for me and my daughter today. My husband passed away several years ago at this hospital and it created sadness to see him go. Although his care was outstanding, I am very glad to return to this hospital for such an uplifting event.’”

This year’s festival had a large turnout of women and their families as well as dozens of vendors and presenters from throughout the Valley. There were 18 medical seminars covering subjects such as bariatric surgery, foot care and plastic surgery, and 18 home and art seminars dedicated to various subjects like interior design, plant care and photography. Interactive classes such as self defense, yoga, golf and dance were also offered. 

Clovis Community CEO Craig Castro stops to chat with a mother and daughter in attendance.

A mid-day celebration of strength for breast cancer survivors and loved ones was held in the middle of the hospital grounds. People stopped to pay their respects and listen to a speech by Sharon Johnson from Susan G. Komen for the Cure, in collaboration with American Cancer Society and Sisterhood of Survivors. The ceremony ended with more than a dozen white doves flying into the blue sky.

“It was such a touching ceremony,” festival attendee, Sue Bairstow said with tears in her eyes.

Bairstow nearly lost two dear friends to breast cancer.

“I needed this. They are here and they fought through it. What a blessing.” 

This story was reported by Rebecca Wass. She can be reached at rwass@communitymedical.org.

Thursday, October 11, 2007