Inside the expressive arts class at Sentara Brock Cancer Center

On the first and third Wednesday of each month, a quiet room at the Sentara Brock Cancer Center fills with the soft scratch of pens, the rustle of paper, and sometimes, even tears and laughter. 

For many cancer patients and survivors, The Mindful Journaling class, led by instructor Lisa Cooper, becomes a lifeline.

“A lot of the people come here and say, “I just can’t go on another day. This cancer and chemo is too much,’” said Cooper, an instructor with The Muse Writers Center in Norfolk, Virginia.  

Cooper, a cancer survivor herself, said her goal is simple: “For the hour and a half they’re with me, I try to take their mind off all they are struggling with and help them feel good. There can be moments of reprieve from the weight of the world on your shoulders.”

In a recent class, participants traced their hand on a piece of paper, each finger represented one of the five senses, and as they colored, they shared what senses brought them comfort.

“I love the smell of burnt toast,” said Trena Leavy. “It reminds me of my grandfather; he burnt his toast every morning.”

“I’m grateful for sight,” said Bonita Mayfield, breast cancer survivor. “For three years I was in the hospital, and I couldn’t see my family the way I wanted to. Whenever I see them now, I’m grateful.”  

Glenda Ashe finds peace as she colors a tracing of her hand.

The class blends journaling prompts, art activities, movement, music and mindfulness, to help participants stay present and reduce stress. 

Participant Jill Beninato, breast cancer survivor, remembers arriving guarded and unsure. 

“I kind of came to the class not trusting,” she admitted. “But our instructor, Lisa, has been through cancer, she understands it. People keep coming back because they trust her at a cellular level.”

That trust creates a space where vulnerability feels safe. Cooper describes the group as a support system, though not one that’s labeled as such. 

“We’re here to experience art and writing and to share,” Cooper said. “You’re free to be yourself here, to be real. We’re not here to perform, we’re here to experience and support each other.”

The impact is visible. 

Beninato recalled a participant who began as “very grouchy,” closed off from others. Over time, he softened. “By the end, he was smiling. I think he got a lot out of it.” 

Cooper agreed: “If someone comes just one time and feels a bit of comfort, I feel like I’ve done something to help.” 

Leavy and Mayfield hold up their finished artwork.

The class has grown into a community that extends beyond the room, complete with a Facebook group where members encourage one another between sessions. Cooper is even exploring outings and a retreat for those facing health challenges, after participants responded with an enthusiastic “yes, please!”

What makes the program at Sentara Brock Cancer Center special is the center’s openness to integrative therapies. 

In addition to the Mindful Journaling class, the Carrillo Kern Center for Integrative Therapies offers cancer patients and caregivers acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, garden therapy, tai chi, reiki, and more.

“I’ve had nothing but a beautiful experience here. It’s not about the bottom line; it’s about the person struggling with cancer. If they’re treated with kindness, they’ll go out and say they had a positive experience.”

In a world that can feel overwhelming, this small creative sanctuary offers something rare: hope, connection, and a moment to breathe. 

As Cooper puts it, “The arts are a way to take care of yourself through a really challenging time. I am grateful each time I come to class. It helps me to keep the focus on what matters most, caring for ourselves and others. We all work together to lighten each other’s burdens.”