Sara El-Hassani
"On the 7th May 2009, after eighteen months of pain in my rib area, I was finally diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in my bones. Although shocked by the diagnosis, having been declared cured of the primary cancer that I first had in May 1999, I was relieved to know the reason for my pain. I decided at that point that I would do everything in my own power to make the remainder of my life as healthy and happy as possible.
When I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, I felt an overwhelming need to be treated holistically. I was pointed in the direction of The Haven and it has literally been a haven for me ever since. In addition to following a very healthy diet as advocated by Morna (nutritionist) and Kath (herbalist) at The Haven, I also continued to exercise regularly and to dance Argentinean Tango as often as I possibly could. In the confusing world of cancer, The Haven has provided me with invaluable information, comfort and support. All members of staff are both wonderfully warm and very professional. I still access The Haven on a weekly basis for their fantastic ‘drop-in’ sessions.
Shortly after diagnosis, I decided to plan and organise a Tango Tea Dance in aid of The Haven, as the charity has been such a huge help to me during my cancer journey.
Tango is my passion. I have been having tango lessons for two and a half years and I love it so much that I now dance up to five times a week. In dancing tango, I can be transported to a completely different level of existence where I am beyond the troubles and cares of my daily life. There are so many things I love about the dance. There is the hypnotically beautiful music, the close embrace and the improvisatory nature of the dance. I have long referred to tango as my tango therapy. I am convinced that it helps with my general wellness, enthusiasm and zest for life.
The tea dance took place on Sunday 15th November 2009, and was held at Woodkirk Valley Country Club, which generously donated the dance space free of charge. The event was a huge success. It was very well supported and greatly enjoyed by ‘tangueros’ from near and far. I was quite overwhelmed by the number of people who were keen to support, not only by buying tickets for the event, but also by providing generous raffle prizes (including holiday accommodation in Spain and gliding lessons) buying raffle tickets, baking fantastic cakes and helping with general preparations."
The following link is to the YouTube video of the exhibition dance I danced at the event with Ken, our tango teacher
Sara El- Hassani
What the experts say
"This is an extremely important service that many of my patients receive. Almost without exception, they find The Haven an essential component of their treatment."