HYPERLOCAL NEWS HUB BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM
Cooper-Young art gallery to host free boxing classes
March 13, 2012
Story by Jasmine Hunter/MicroMemphis Reporter
Story by Jasmine Hunter/MicroMemphis Reporter
Boxing at an art gallery? Sounds like an odd combination. That is until you learn more about owner Donna Bowers and her dedication to fighting cancer.
Painted Planet Art Space of Cooper-Young will host free boxing classes for cancer patients beginning the first week of April. Bowers, a cancer survivor, is also founder of the non-profit organization Healing Planet which offers free services to women who have cancer or have gone through other terminal illnesses.
“This is just another part of Healing Planet, making women get healthier. We want to do it for physical fitness and also get women to be more confident,” Bowers said.
Boxing develops upper body strength, but Bowers says it can also help balance the lymphatic system which often malfunctions for those with cancer.
“If you’ve had breast cancer, your fluids puddle because your lymphatic system is not there to pull the fluids through your body, so you have to work them all the time. That’s why we offer reflexology and massage therapy here,” Bowers said.
Painted Planet also hosts a spa night for cancer patients every second Monday of each month. Massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, yoga and personal training are offered along with a healthy meal.
“We have people that come in from out-of-town for spa night. One of our care givers is from Moscow, Tennessee,” Bowers said.
Painted Planet Art Space is also home to a jewelry boutique and a new recording studio that was finished last month.
“All of these things—the art gallery, the music business—they are all a vehicle to do Healing Planet. That’s what it’s all about. That’s the only reason I do everything,” Bowers said.
Healing Planet does not accept cash donations. Instead, Bowers prefers people to donate their time, skills or even food.
“We’re hoping some sweet soul will donate a punching bag to us, and then we’ll be able to do kicking also,” Bowers said.
The classes are expected to begin April 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Painted Planet Art Space and will continue once a month. Bowers says she hopes they will eventually occur on a weekly basis.
“Life doesn’t end with cancer. Sometimes it’s even sweeter. I never want to have it again, but I wouldn’t take anything for having it because it’s made me realize how precious life is,” Bowers said.
Painted Planet Art Space of Cooper-Young will host free boxing classes for cancer patients beginning the first week of April. Bowers, a cancer survivor, is also founder of the non-profit organization Healing Planet which offers free services to women who have cancer or have gone through other terminal illnesses.
“This is just another part of Healing Planet, making women get healthier. We want to do it for physical fitness and also get women to be more confident,” Bowers said.
Boxing develops upper body strength, but Bowers says it can also help balance the lymphatic system which often malfunctions for those with cancer.
“If you’ve had breast cancer, your fluids puddle because your lymphatic system is not there to pull the fluids through your body, so you have to work them all the time. That’s why we offer reflexology and massage therapy here,” Bowers said.
Painted Planet also hosts a spa night for cancer patients every second Monday of each month. Massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, yoga and personal training are offered along with a healthy meal.
“We have people that come in from out-of-town for spa night. One of our care givers is from Moscow, Tennessee,” Bowers said.
Painted Planet Art Space is also home to a jewelry boutique and a new recording studio that was finished last month.
“All of these things—the art gallery, the music business—they are all a vehicle to do Healing Planet. That’s what it’s all about. That’s the only reason I do everything,” Bowers said.
Healing Planet does not accept cash donations. Instead, Bowers prefers people to donate their time, skills or even food.
“We’re hoping some sweet soul will donate a punching bag to us, and then we’ll be able to do kicking also,” Bowers said.
The classes are expected to begin April 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Painted Planet Art Space and will continue once a month. Bowers says she hopes they will eventually occur on a weekly basis.
“Life doesn’t end with cancer. Sometimes it’s even sweeter. I never want to have it again, but I wouldn’t take anything for having it because it’s made me realize how precious life is,” Bowers said.
Related Links
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Photo Slideshow by: Tracey HarlowClick here to access Donna Bowers Facebook page. |
Donna Bowers explains what Painted Planet is all about.
Short film by Ally Fannin/MicroMemphis reporter
Jasmine Hunter/ MicroMemphis reporter
Jasmine Hunter covers Recreation for Micromemphis.
You can send her story ideas here.
Follow her on Twitter ( @Jasmine_Hunter ).
Tracey Harlow / MicroMemphis reporter
Tracey Harlow covers Recreation for MicroMemphis.
You can send her story ideas here.
You can follow her on twitter ( @harlow_tracey )
Ally Fannin/ MicroMemphis reporter
