Healthy inspiration YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL ALONE

WRITER: JAMES COMBS

“

You have breast cancer.”

Those words, understandably, would devastate most women. They mark the beginning of a journey filled with fear, uncertainty and anger.

That journey, though, is Latanya Ruiz’s passion.

Latanya, 37, facilitates a breast cancer support group at Florida Hospital Waterman. Her group, formed in January 2013, offers patients in remission or receiving treatment a place of fellowship, support, understanding and sharing.

“We want patients to know there is life after diagnosis,” says Latanya, an oncology social worker at the hospital. “You have to put one foot in front of the other each day and know things are going to get better. You cannot look at hardships as failure, but rather as part of the journey.”

Clearly, Latanya benefits from that outlook as much as the patients.

“I’m privileged to witness them go through their journey,” she says. “I get to see them rise from the ashes and display incredible strength on a daily basis. For that reason, I don’t give them half as much as they give me. These patients fill my heart with joy.”

The support group meets the third Thursday of the month from 1:30–3p.m. Typically, 12 women attend, creating a relaxed, supportive environment in which they can seek answers, share their experiences with others and learn from those who have traveled the same path.

Don’t think for a minute it’s a somber atmosphere. Laughter is a key component.

“One time the entire group was laughing about a patient’s husband who put her mastectomy bra on upside down,” Latanya says. “In his defense, though, there are quite a few straps. There are lots of things to cry about, but most do not realize there is also a lot to laugh about.”

Each meeting begins with a 30-minute lunch. Then, patients listen to and interact with guest speakers who provide valuable knowledge about their breast cancer battle. Latanya has invited licensed clinical social workers, attorneys, pharmacists, artists and yoga instructors.

“We don’t give medical advice and we never badmouth a patient’s medical team,” she says. “However, we do talk about emotional topics, such as having a mastectomy and losing hair due to chemotherapy. Body image is a big concern for breast cancer patients. Having an outlet to discuss these topics is very important for these women because sometimes they feel like they’re burdening their family members and friends. Many of them share deeply personal stories that offer valuable lessons.”

As a facilitator, Latanya has learned a valuable lesson of her own.

“These patients,” she says, “have taught me to live life to the fullest rather than letting it pass me by.”

Dr. Mark Rothschild

• Avid photographer with a special interest in travel photography with pictures taken on five continents.

• Pursues photojournalism as an avocation with articles that have appeared in Style and Healthily Living magazines.

• Strong interest in literature including fiction and non fiction.

• Enjoys physical conditioning including strength training and aerobic exercise.

• Experienced skier with trips to the U.S. and Canadian Rockies.

• M.D. degree obtained at SUNY Upstate Medical University in 1982.

• Internal medicine residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in 1985.

• Completed fellowship in cardiovascular diseases at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital of Boston in 1987.

• Was a member of the SJH Cardiology Group in Syracuse, NY from 1987 to 2012.

• Performs noninvasive studies including echo, stress echo, transesophageal echo, nuclear cardiology, plain treadmill testing and Holter interpretation.

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