September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Join Us for Wellness Week to Support Our Wig Program
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and here at the For Nina Foundation, we are dedicated to supporting children and young adults fighting cancer. This month, we are hosting Wellness Week, a special week-long event to raise awareness about the challenges these brave individuals face while promoting mental and physical well-being.
Through a series of donation-based virtual classes, we aim to raise an additional $5,000 for our Wigs for Comfort and Confidence Program, which provides high-quality, comfortable wigs to children, teens, and young adults who are undergoing cancer treatments. These wigs not only help restore confidence but also ease the burden on families, removing the stress of finding a suitable wig during a difficult time. Our program ensures that these kids can feel more like themselves again, no matter the circumstances.
All events can be joined virtually through the provided links, making it easy to participate from the comfort of your own home. Each class is suitable for all ages, so bring the whole family to experience wellness together!
We invite you to participate in our Wellness Week by attending our classes and making a donation to support our Wigs for Comfort and Confidence Program. Each class is designed to bring balance, health, and peace into your life, while your donations will directly benefit those in need.
Wellness Week Schedule:
We have a fantastic lineup of classes running from Monday, September 23, 2024, to Sunday, September 29, 2024. These classes are donation-based, and we encourage you to contribute whatever you can to help us reach our goal. All classes are suitable for all ages and can be done at home with simple, easy-to-follow instructions.
Monday, September 23, 2024
10:00 AM – Monday Morning Meditation
- Hosted by Destiny from Hot Yoga Deland, a yoga instructor with 15 years of experience in mental and spiritual health. Join us in the park for a grounding and peaceful meditation to start your week right.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
7:00 PM – Mental Health Talk: Getting The Most Out Of Therapy
- We’ve all heard it before: "You should see a therapist." Fortunately, therapy no longer carries the stigma it once did, and many people, even young kids, are now open about seeing a therapist as part of their regular life. But how do you find the right therapist, and what should you expect from therapy? In this session, Dr. Erica Karlinsky of Heathrow Psychology, will guide you through the process of understanding therapy:
- How to choose the right therapist for you
- What questions to ask during therapy
- The different approaches therapists use and how to know which is right for you
- If you’re currently seeing a therapist or considering starting, this hour-long talk will give you the tools you need to make the most of your experience.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
9:00 AM – Gardening Class and Nature Walk
- Led by Danielle Hanusek, who will guide us through her beautiful organic garden in Central Florida. Learn about gardening, its mental health benefits, and how to grow your own food—even if you're a beginner! This class can be enjoyed by the whole family.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
7:00 PM – Discovering or Rediscovering your Love for Books
- For this hour, high school teacher and avid reader, Michelle Schwartz, will review some of her favorite books, and talk about how to choose the books that will be some of yours. Michelle will discuss how to fit reading into your daily life, no matter how much you have going on, what reading has meant to her, and how to get the most out of every book. Does Michelle put a book down if she is not enjoying it or does she finish every book she starts? She will tell you the answer, and if she does put it down, does she give it one page or one chapter before deciding? Michelle will discuss all of this and more, and it is all about books. Please come ready to tell the group about a book that you recommend!
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
- Join Maddie O'Brien in this art therapy session where we’ll create a Self-Compassion Box, Envelope, or Jar—a personal space to store affirmations, positive memories, and self-care reminders. This project helps you cultivate self-compassion and mindfulness by engaging in creative expression. No fancy supplies are needed—just simple materials you already have at home! Together, we’ll focus on kindness toward ourselves, all through the power of art. What to Expect: - Reflect on self-compassion through a guided art activity - Fill your box, envelope, or jar with personalized messages - Learn how to turn this creative process into a self-care routine *Open to all, no art experience required.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
7:00 PM – Barre Class: The Bar Method
- A 45-minute Bar Method Express class hosted by Karen Moreno of The Barre Method Orlando, that reshapes your body and builds strength and confidence. All you need is a chair or sofa to use as your "barre." The class is suitable for all ages and can be done right from your living room.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
Thursday, September 26, 2024
10:00 AM – Furry Friend and Human Hang
- Hosted by our For Nina Foundation Board Members. Bring your pets to this fun, casual virtual hangout and connect with other pet lovers while supporting our cause. This is a great way for all ages to socialize with their pets from home.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
8:00 PM – Mediumship Gallery Demonstration with Donnabelle Casis
- Join Donnabelle, of Sonorous Light, and Kristyn Clayton, two experienced spiritual mediums, for an evening of connection with the spiritual realm. This class will guide you to explore your highest self and offer healing through mediumship and intuitive insights. All are welcome to join this powerful experience from the comfort of home.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
Friday, September 27, 2024
2:00 PM – Fueling Your Body: Nutrition Class with Ashlee Wright
- Hosted by Nutrition Coach, Ashlee Wright of Why Eat Wise, this class will guide you to rebuild your relationship with food, stop obsessing over the scale, and develop lasting healthy habits. This class is open to all ages and can be done from the comfort of your kitchen or living room.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
6:00 PM – Healthy Cooking Demonstration
- Finding time to cook a healthy meal during busy weeknights can be a major source of stress. But with the right recipes and a shift in mindset, cooking can be both easy and relaxing! Join us for a Healthy Cooking Demo, with Bob O'Brien, where we’ll share strategies to turn the stress of meal prep into an enjoyable, stress-free experience. In this session, you’ll learn how to set up your kitchen for success and reduce stress while cooking, creative tips for making the cooking process fun and relaxing, and get a live demonstration of how to prepare a healthy, delicious meal in just 30 minutes. Leave with the confidence to handle weeknight meals with ease and reduce the stress that comes with deciding what to cook. This demo is for all ages and skill levels!
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
Saturday, September 28, 2024
10:00 AM – DIY Self-Care Workshop
- Learn how to make simple, natural self-care products at home with Danielle Hanusek! Join us as we create DIY deodorant, bug spray, and discover the benefits of jojoba oil—all while supporting our foundation. This family-friendly class can be done right from home with easy-to-follow instructions.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
7:00 PM - Ethically Sourced Hair vs Non-Ethically Sourced Hair
- Join us for an educational and eye-opening class with Katia Baker, founder of The House of Postiche, as she breaks down the crucial differences between ethically sourced hair and non-ethically sourced hair in the wig industry. In this session, Katia will explore how hair sourcing impacts the quality, sustainability, and integrity of the wigs being produced. She will explain her meticulous wig-making process and how it contributes to the For Nina Foundation's Wig Program, ensuring that the wigs provided to children and young adults undergoing cancer treatments are not only beautiful but also ethically crafted. This class is perfect for anyone curious about the ethics behind the hair industry, as well as those interested in learning more about the For Nina Foundation’s commitment to supporting cancer patients with high-quality, ethically sourced wigs.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
Sunday, September 29, 2024
10:00 AM - Self-Help for the Family Caretaker: Prioritizing Your Well-Being
- Many of us find ourselves in the role of caretakers, whether for our children, aging parents, or both. In these moments, it's easy to lose sight of our own needs as we pour our energy into caring for loved ones while balancing work responsibilities. In this class, Dr. Erica Karlinsky and Bob O'Brien from the Institute of Self will guide you through strategies to help you refocus on taking care of yourself. When we neglect our own well-being, it eventually takes a toll on our health and mental state, making it harder to give our best to those we care for. Join us for this hour-long session where you'll learn how prioritizing your own self-care allows you to be a better, healthier caregiver. This class is open to all ages and will leave you with tools to help you balance care for your loved ones without sacrificing your own well-being.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
6:00 PM - Vinyasa-Yin Fusion Yoga Class
- End the week with a deeply restorative session of Yoga, hosted by Heather McIver, owner of Hot Yoga Deland. This is your chance to wind down the weekend and set beautiful intentions for the week ahead. This practice will guide you into a state of relaxation and peace to support your mental health. All ages are welcome to join virtually from home.
- Join: Virtual on Zoom
- Donate What You Can Here
Support Our Cause and Join Wellness Week
Each class is donation-based and can be joined virtually through the provided links, making it easy for you to participate from home. Your contributions will directly support the Wigs for Comfort and Confidence Program, helping provide high-quality wigs to young people battling cancer, restoring their confidence and comfort during their journey.
To Donate What You Can, Click Here.
We are incredibly grateful to all of our volunteer hosts, experts, and teachers who have generously donated their time, talents, and insights to make this event possible. Together, we are raising awareness for childhood cancer and sharing the power of mental and physical health. Let's make this Wellness Week a meaningful and impactful experience for everyone involved.
Thank you for supporting the For Nina Foundation and for being part of this life-changing week of wellness and giving.
