Artist and cancer survivor Jane Cornish Smith has volunteered with CSCNT since 2003. She keeps coming back decades later because of how much fellow survivors impact her life.
“There’s one participant that comes quite a bit, and I know she will be in treatment the rest of her life,” Jane says. “I see her having trouble walking, but she still gets into her car and comes to the clubhouse and participates, and she’s so positive – truly an inspiration. She’s very intelligent and well-educated but down to earth and upbeat. I love seeing her and admire her so much.”
Jane offers a variety of different art workshops at CSCNT, including making clay sculptures, coasters, greeting cards, beading and more. She enjoys giving participants something to do that is creative and relaxing and takes their mind off treatment and whatever they’re going through.
“The process of making helps the soul,” Jane says. “It helps you to focus on something else that is productive and works out anxieties through the subject matter.”
In her personal art, Jane made a print featuring healthy cells overtaking cancerous ones as a way to navigate worries about cancer treatment in a proactive way. She brings this approach to her art classes at CSCNT.
“Volunteering at CSCNT is very rewarding,” Jane says. “It’s a beautiful space to work and interact with others. There’s lots of ways to volunteer – the front desk, teaching yoga or in my case art, help out with the Red Tie Gala and more. You can volunteer, contribute financially or find other ways to give back.”
Jane adds, “I’ve been going to CSCNT since 2002, and I never get tired of it. I always look forward to it, and it’s a sustaining, affirming and educational place.”