What do tennis and cancer have in common?
Everything at Tennis for Life, a new support group for breast cancer survivors. It’s free, and open to people in any phase of their breast cancer experience, whether they’ve ever played tennis or not.
“The Western Wake Tennis Association’s mission is to promote the spirit and growth of tennis,” said Laura Weygandt, executive director of WWTA, which is partnering with Raleigh Tennis Association and WakeMed to offer the program.
“When we were approached about starting this program, it was a no-brainer. We saw an opportunity to provide a supportive, healthy environment, at no cost, to breast cancer survivors in Wake County; it meets our mission statement exactly. WWTA is always looking for ways to positively impact the community through tennis.”
Dubbed an “active support group,” Tennis for Life offers a healthier lifestyle through tennis, along with speakers to educate participants on health and well-being.
The program helps participants regain upper body strength and mobility while building stamina, endurance and morale. Members can enjoy playing tennis and lessons with a tennis pro, all for free in a non-competitive environment. Tennis equipment will be provided.
In addition, they gather monthly to discuss cancer-related issues in a supportive atmosphere.
To kick off the program, Tennis for Life will host two events at WakeMed Cary, on Wednesday, Jan. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m., and on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Both sessions will meet in the conference center on the first floor of the hospital.
The events will include indoor and mini tennis, light snacks, and a guest speaker.
WakeMed Cary is located at 1900 Kildaire Farm Road in Cary. To register, contact Alexis Johnson at alexis.tennisforlifenc@gmail.com.
For more information about the program, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit westernwaketennis.com/community/tennisforlife.
“We hope to provide a regular opportunity for breast cancer survivors to participate in the healthy activity of tennis as well as be a part of a truly active support group,” Weygandt said. “Long term, we hope that this program has regular attendees and continues to grow and reach more breast cancer survivors.”
