As a breast cancer survivor and registered nurse (certified in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing), Sharon Cecil knows adversity as few can. But with her credentials as a registered nurse, coupled with a degree in art, Sharon has combined medical knowledge with artistic abilities to create unique programs for improving the physical and emotional health of so many in our community.

Through writing, publishing, event planning, and many more activities and initiatives, Sharon provides a chance for our young people to experience a hands-on learning lab in educational programming through inter-generational mentoring. Designed for middle and high school students, Sharon’s initiatives also provide a particular focus on underserved communities throughout Kentucky, including those in homeless shelters and group homes. All of the programs heighten awareness, educating and advocating on issues ranging from healthy lifestyle choices, creative expression, to environmental stewardship.

To achieve these worthy goals, Sharon and her husband co-founded WE SURVIVE, Inc., a non-profit organization, located on 79 acres of gentle rolling woodland. As a Certified Stewardship Forest –– a designation by the Kentucky Division of Forestry –– the organization not only promotes environmental stewardship, but also provides a place where youth can plan, promote and present events in a natural, nurturing setting. By incorporating healthy lifestyle changes, combining powerful mind-body connections, WE SURVIVE provides information, education, and encouragement to youthful participants drawn from diverse communities. The center trains its participants in leadership, entrepreneurial, and marketing skills, as well. With an extensive resource network, youth develop self-confidence, gain opportunities to publish their own works, and experience the joy of engaging in the arts. For instance, young aspiring women authors have contributed poignant articles resonating with young girls everywhere via the journal, Women Offering Wisdom (WOW), a magazine for young women, by young women, and about young women. Such in-house publications not only give students valuable, hands-on experience, but also critical additions to their portfolio work.

Sharon Cecil serves our community through her selfless acts of kindness, dedication, and care. WE SURVIVE is an all-volunteer undertaking, and Sharon has kept it going for the past ten years. She aims to make it self-sufficient, so that it will not only thrive but also expand to continue to change lives of youth in our community and beyond. Although she works as a part-time nursing clinical instructor, her volunteerism has a central place in her life's work. Sharon Cecil works diligently to help our youth. With minimal funding, she has created, presented, and supported extraordinarily professional programs and events on a volunteer basis. She enables our youth to plan, to promote, and to present their creative, nurturing capabilities in a positive, holistic way. In doing so, Sharon Cecil improves the quality of life for us all.

To learn more about Sharon and her cause, and how you can make a difference, please visit: www.wesurvive.org

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