Mind Body Fest, an event for families impacted by cancer, is a “relaxing and restorative experience,” according to organizers.
The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 16 at Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Road, in Hinsdale.
Deb Kwiatt, public relations and media manager for Wellness House said Mind Body Fest was “created especially for cancer survivors and caregivers.”
“This special event offers the chance to sample short, guided sessions from a variety of stress relieving and mind body practices, helping you discover what best supports your well-being,” she said.
Kwiatt said experiences will include yoga and chair yoga, Pilates, tai chi, expressive arts, Reiki, breathwork, meditation and more.
The first Mind Body Fest was held in the fall of 2018 and has become one of Wellness House’s most popular events, Kwiatt said. It is now offered twice a year, once in Hinsdale and once in Chicago.
“The Mind Body Fest event began as a way to introduce exercise and stress management techniques to people going through cancer treatment and survivorship,” she said. “It’s an event to introduce our programs and Wellness House to new participants, and introduce existing participants to mind and body experiences.”
Kwiatt said Mind Body Best attracted 158 participants in fiscal year 2024, and about 200 are expected this year.
“It’s a day where they can de-stress and carve out time for themselves to learn new tools, relax and also feel a sense of community with others going through the same thing,” she said. “Many walk away from the event with a sense of empowerment to use the tools and experiences through cancer treatment and survivorship.”
With cancer affecting so many people in some way, participants for Mind Body Fest come from all over the Chicago area, Kwiatt said.
“Exercise and stress management are critical to well-being during and after cancer, and healthcare providers know it leads to better outcomes,” she said. “There are many people who attend again to gain new tools, be with others experiencing cancer and de-stress for the day.”
Wellness House regular Lori O’Malley plans to attend the May 16 Mind Body Fest.
“A cancer diagnosis along with chemo can be extremely stressful on the body and mind,” she said, adding that she has gone through more than 300 days of continual chemo treatment, with more to come.
“I haven’t worked since last May and don’t get disability through my employer, so stress is a major element in my life,” she said. “I currently attend meditation classes at Wellness House, but have a hard time doing this on my own. Guided works best for me, so this event is right up my alley.”
O’Malley especially enjoys the yoga sessions.
“Exercise is key in cancer recovery and also helps with the severe neuropathy I have,” she said. “I don’t often have the energy for exercise classes, but I do my best to attend.”
Registration to participate in Mind Body Fest at www.wellnesshouse.org.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
