Still Rise Farms “main crop is wellness”. The farm hosts many wellness events for breast cancer survivors and thrivers and their partners, inner city youth, and others in need of specialized wellness services. Their programs often center around the concept of food as medicine as well as the therapeutic benefits of gardening and being in and around the natural world. And the growing of food brought Still Rise Farms to the attention of BCFA.
On a beautiful early spring afternoon in April, some of BCFA’s board members had the opportunity to visit Still Rise Farms. We first met Kuan, a tall, energetic new farmer bursting with enthusiasm, joy and excitement for the work ahead of him. He is the person tasked with growing the food which will be a key source of wellness for identified cancer patients at nearby Grand View Health. More on that later. Because as Kuan was showing us around, the visionary for this beautiful 40 acre property arrived to tell us more. Dr. Monique Gary, Medical Director of Grand View Health’s cancer program, has been transforming Still Rise Farms from an estate into “a sanctuary, offering holistic wellness support for those navigating the challenges of cancer and chronic illness. ” Reading their website can be inspirational. Hearing Dr. “Mo” share her passion for their journey towards health and wholeness is undeniably so.
Which brings us back to the large multi raised-bed gardens. Most readers of our articles know that cleanly grown dark green leafy vegetables provide health benefits and trace minerals that promote healing. Clean, pesticide free vegetables are essential to everyone’s health, but particularly critical to the health of cancer patients. The gardens at Still Rise Farm, protected by a new but essential deer fence which cut deeply into the Foundation’s resources, will grow enough food for 10 cancer families each month. It is only one part of their plan to grow lots more food on the farm. Kuan will soon be installing elderberry on the property along with plans for other fruit trees and berries. And it is still to be determined how best to use the extensive acreage.
Their first event of the season is a program in partnership with Unite 4 Her, a day of wellness entitled “Remembering Your First Love- You.”
On May 17th Dr. Mo and other health care and integrative providers take 75 cancer patients through a day of empowerment and self-care, including a farm tour, beehive and cooking demonstration, yoga, meditation and more. Find out more or register for the event here (http://uniteforher.org/still-
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