It’s been 15 years since Stacy Cykiert picked up a new hobby. She began beading with a friend. One day, she heard about the opportunity to volunteer at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at the Weisberg Cancer Center in Farmington Hills, where she could share her new craft with cancer survivors.
Cykiert has always volunteered her time in the community, so it was second nature for her to jump right into facilitating beading sessions at Karmanos. The group meets bi-monthly on Wednesdays. Cancer survivors, those touched by cancer, family members, and survivors' friends are welcome to attend. All art therapy sessions are free for participants.
“The group members are so extremely appreciative of the littlest things I do for them. I feel like what I am doing matters,” Cykiert shared as she expressed her love of getting to know everyone participating in the activity.
“When I started the group, I let the participants tell me what they wanted. Some come every time and want to do their own thing. Others drop in from time to time, wanting to make a bracelet for a special occasion. Some want me to fix their broken jewelry, and I do my best to help. Putting beads on a string can be hypnotizing and calming.”
One group member has described Cykiert as a born teacher. Many survivors and caregivers in the beading group find the activity relaxing. At that moment, when they are being creative, they don’t have to think or worry about cancer; instead, they can create and be in the moment. Some enjoy the quiet and some like to socialize. Everyone in the group can do whatever they want, and Cykiert is there to demonstrate and assist as needed. Patients who experience side effects from neuropathy (numb fingers) due to their cancer treatments say beading helps with the pain.
According to Marilyn Knapp, beading can also help with depression. “Everyone can benefit regardless of how serious the cancer in your family is,” she described.
Knapp said she’s hooked on beading and enjoys the social part of participating in the beading group.
On the day pictured, Cykiert demonstrated how to create suncatchers using driftwood and beads. She found the driftwood and prepared it for the workshop, and she also donated the beautiful beads.
If your family is touched by cancer and you are interested in participating in the Healing Arts program at Karmanos or volunteering, contact Kathleen Hardy, oncology social worker, at 248-538-4712. Healing Arts is supported by the Leah A. Davidson Healing Arts Endowment and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Fund. For additional cancer survivor and caregiver support services at Karmanos, click here.
Originally published in The Detroit Jewish News.