Jan. 26 arts day organized by cancer survivor

Denise Simms, a Lake Ridge preschool special education teacher, is hosting an arts-based fundraiser to celebrate her 15 years as a cancer survivor. 
The arts sampler event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., at Old Bridge United Methodist Church.  The church is located at 3699 Old Bridge Rd. in Lake Ridge.
 
Simms’ “This is Me - A Day Celebrating the Healing Arts” will give people of all ages and skill levels opportunities to participate in yoga, prompted writing, flower arranging, meditation, collage, painting, quilting, creating self care boxes, mandala drawing, mask painting and more.

Simms will also be teaching original dance choreography to the song “This is Me.”

The day of arts experiences will benefit the arts programming at the “Life with Cancer” organization.

Simms is a member of the church and has been attending there for 22 years.  She participates in many mission activities locally, domestically and abroad.  She is very excited to be able to hold such a big celebration at a place that has been instrumental in her healing
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Simms said she became heavily involved in the arts and humanities program at the hospital while she was undergoing cancer treatments.

In celebrating her 15th survivor anniversary, she would love to provide the same opportunity for others affected by cancer to engage with the healing arts. 
Admission is a $10 (or more) donation at the door. Cash or a check made out to Life with Cancer will be accepted (every dollar raised will be going directly to the organization). To aid in planning for supplies needed, make sure to get a ticket for each person attending at the Eventbrite link to “This is Me - A Day Celebrating the Healing Arts”: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/this-is-me-a-day-celebrating-the-healing-arts

Those who cannot attend but would like to make a donation can donate online at http://www.lifewithcancer.org .  To make a gift by mail, send a check or money order (please do not send cash in the mail) to: Life with Cancer, c/o Inova Health Foundation, 8110 Gatehouse Road, Suite 200, East Falls Church, VA 22042-1210

In making the donation, please be sure to note that the funds should go to the arts programs per “This is Me - A Day of Celebrating.

Simms grew up in the Woodbridge area and attended Osbourn Park High School, received her bachelor’s degree at Virginia Tech and her master’s degree at George Mason.