Three-Time Cancer Survivor Becomes Competitive Ballroom Dancer

Juno Beach, FL (PRWEB) March 29, 2013

Two evenings a week, Joan Cashon makes the 15-minute drive from her apartment home at The Waterford, a senior living community in Juno Beach, to the studio for her ballroom dancing practice. Shes far from a beginnerin fact, shes a competitive ballroom dancer whose partner lifts and twirls her in the air. Cashon often takes on competitors 20 years her junior.

According to doctors, Cashon shouldnt be dancing at all. About 20 years ago, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer, involving a tumor on her spine. She was given three weeks to live. Doctors call it a miracle when she beat it, but then the cancer came back againand again. Round two with the cancer was similar to the first, and then a third bout included a double mastectomy. In all, it was a decade-long battle with cancer, but Cashon was determined to persevere.

Poor sick victim was a label I wanted to exchange for healthy woman, Cashon says. I think if you dont actively pursue a solution, youre responsible for the continued growth of the problem.

Cashon also relied on faith to get through the bouts with cancer. One of the effects from all the treatments was losing feeling in her feet. At the suggestion of her husband, Lou, she took up ballroom dancing.

We have many residents involved in a variety of activities and doing great things that just make you smile, says Sean Nealon, executive director at The Waterford. Joan is an inspiration to not only other seniors, but to people of all ages.

Since beating cancer and taking up dancing, Cashon has had the opportunity to share her story with others facing health challenges.

When I tell them what I have been through, sometimes they sit up and say, Hey, maybe I can beat this and get back on my feet again.

About The Waterford

The Waterford, located at 601 Universe Blvd., in Juno Beach, is a Life Care community that provides seniors a unique lifestyle experience and a variety of residential options, including maintenance-free independent living apartment homes and on-site skilled nursing care, if ever needed. Residents enjoy a full range of services and amenities, such as a library, hair salon, fitness center, art studio, and Lifespace Communities comprehensive FitSix