Witches Brew Tea Supports Cancer Survivors

More than 70 women gathered at the president’s home for a tea co-hosted by Utah State University’s First Lady Joyce Albrecht and Louise Young of the USU Alumni Association.

Known as the Witches Brew Tea, the late October event was held in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event goes beyond that connection and honors those who have been affected by all cancers — either directly or as friends and family members.  

 

Albrecht, herself a cancer survivor, said the gathering is a way to share a common experience and a way to share common strengths.

 

“This is a gathering of women who have had a common experience,” Albrecht said. “It’s also a time to renew friendships in a relaxed atmosphere.”

 

The tea began four years ago when Young became involved with USU’s Women’s Center. She had offered teas on a quarterly basis at the Alumni Center, and thought a tea was a perfect activity to share and show support.

 

“I love the philosophy of sharing tea,” Young said. “We don’t stop and slow down enough today. When you take the time to pour tea for an individual, you are sharing yourself, there is a sincerity of giving your time and serving someone else. A tea ritual is a shared experience.”

 

Young cites a work by Emily Barnes, “If Teacups Could Talk,” that she quotes often, drawing on its inspirational messages.

 

Inspiration was provided at this year’s Witches Brew Tea through poetry. Marina Hall, a guest from the Department of English, read several selections by former USU faculty member and Utah Poet Laureate Ken Brewer. Hall read three of Brewer’s works that detailed his cancer experience.

 

“Ken Brewer was so open with his experiences after he was diagnosed with cancer,” Albrecht said. “His poetry opened a window to all, and I felt it was appropriate to share his words during our gathering. His creative work continues to help others. We, as survivors, can learn much from his words.”

 

Brewer’s work was recently used in an observance of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. His poetry was taught in workshops for caregivers and terminally ill patients at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. The event was reported by Brandon Griggs in The Salt Lake Tribune.

 

“Brewer’s poems also have reinforced a growing school of thought among health-care professionals: that art and literature can bring spiritual comfort to terminal patients and their families,” Griggs wrote.