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Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation receives $350,000 Grant from the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, for Comprehensive programs including launching the Waterwell Farms agricultural retreat space.
Empowering Breast Cancer Survivors Through Community and Wellness
[Groveland, FL February 6, 2024] —Libby’s Legacy is thrilled to announce the generous award of a $350,000 grant that will be dedicated to several programs all centered around breast health with a focus on supporting the survivorship arm of Libby's Legacy, known as "Waterwell Farms." The grant will, in part, fund Phase 1 of the development of a unique, agrarian retreat for breast cancer survivors, promoting nutrition, wellness, community, empowerment and sustainable living.
Waterwell Farms, a serene piece of land located off State Road 33 in South Lake County, Florida, holds a special place in the hearts of those at Libby's Legacy, as it was once the home of Libby Maynard, the foundation's namesake. The Live Well Foundation's grant will contribute significantly to the realization of Waterwell Farms as a haven for breast cancer survivors, offering various activities to enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well- being. These activities include raised bed gardening, food forests, hydroponic take home kits, innovative aquaponics food cultivation in collaboration with the City of Groveland, art through archery and more.
Not only will the grant reach breast cancer survivor’s, it aims to aid in cancer prevention through the Aquaponics Farm for all south lake residents. Aquaponics, the sustainable farming method employed at Waterwell Farms, is a system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil). The process involves cultivating plants and fish in a symbiotic environment, where the waste produced by the fish provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants help filter and purify the water for the fish. This closed-loop system results in efficient and eco- friendly food production, reducing the need for external fertilizers and minimizing water usage.
In addition to supporting survivorship initiatives, a portion of the grant will be allocated to providing breast health services such as mammograms and diagnostics through Libby’s Legacy’s screening programs. These services will be offered at no cost to underserved communities in South Lake County, Florida, furthering the foundation's commitment to making a positive impact on local breast health through early detection, prevention and education.
"We love how comprehensive this grant is, its’ seed to survivorship and that’s what we’re all about. The Waterwell Farms launch is so exciting as it is not only a farm retreat; it's a sanctuary for breast cancer survivors to find strength, healing, and a sense of community in a supportive environment. It embodies Libby's spirit and our commitment to the well-being of those affected by breast cancer. We are incredibly grateful to the Live Well Foundation of South Lake for their generous support”, said Robin Maynard-Harris, Founder of Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation. Adding that “this grant is extra special as it truly embraces my mom’s legacy since others will now laugh and learn on the very land that she did."
"We are honored to partner with Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation in their mission to improve the lives of breast cancer survivors and provide essential breast health services to the underserved community in South Lake County," said Rodney Drawdy, chair of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake. "The Waterwell Farms project, along with the aquaponics and breast health services, aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering health and wellness initiatives that have a lasting and meaningful impact."
About Live Well Foundation:
The Live Well Foundation, established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) and dedicated to inspiring sustainable initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of the South Lake community, aspires to attract and fund much needed healthcare and healthy lifestyle programs to serve residents. Visit Live Well Foundation online at lwfsl.org for more information.
City of Groveland Passes the Baton to Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation for Urban Aquaponics Farm,
Now Operating as Waterwell Farms
Groveland, February 15, 2024 – Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation is thrilled to announce its collaboration
with the City of Groveland’s aquaponics farm, marking a significant stride towards supporting urban agrarianism
and community education. The baton has been passed to Libby's Legacy, which will now manage and operate the
Aquaponics Farm under the name Waterwell Farms.
This strategic partnership heralds a positive development for the Groveland community, emphasizing not only
local agriculture and sustainable farming but also a dedicated commitment to plant-based cancer prevention
initiatives.
Waterwell Farms is dedicated to providing fresh, pesticide-free, locally grown produce to Groveland residents
while fostering an environment of education and community engagement. In addition to supplying nutritious
produce at the farmer’s market and produce stand, Waterwell Farms will offer educational programs including
workshops, cooking demonstrations, and tours. These initiatives further the city’s strategic plan and will enable
residents to learn about the positive impact of plant-based nutrition on their overall well-being.
Aquaponics, the sustainable farming method employed at Waterwell Farms, combines aquaculture (raising fish)
and hydroponics (growing plants without soil). This closed-loop system cultivates plants and fish in a symbiotic
environment, where fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants filter and purify the water for the
fish. This eco-friendly method of food production minimizes the need for external fertilizers and conserves water
resources. Positioned on Crittenden St. in the heart of downtown Groveland, the aquaponics farm shows true
urban, eco- agrarianism in the City with Natural Charm.
Mayor Wilson underscores the significance of this initiative, stating, "Waterwell Farms, with its focus on plantbased
cancer prevention and sustainable aquaponics farming, aligns perfectly with our vision for a healthier and
more resilient community. We believe that educating our residents about the benefits of plant-based nutrition is a
crucial step in promoting overall well-being and preventing diseases, including cancer."
Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation shares in this passion for accessibility to healthy, organically grown foods,
cancer prevention and food security.
The City of Groveland invites residents and supporters to embrace this holistic approach to community well-being.
Together, we can cultivate a healthier and more sustainable future for Groveland through Waterwell Farms.
For media inquiries, please contact:
info@waterwellfarms.org Robin Maynard-Harris 352-429-1390
About Libby's Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation:
The Mission of Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation is to provide comprehensive services to the underserved
through education, mammograms, follow-up diagnostics, and empowerment retreats on the journey from diagnosis to
survivorship with the compassion to ensure no one fights alone. For more information about Libby's Legacy Breast
Cancer Foundation and Waterwell Farms, please visit www.libbyslegacy.org and www.waterwellfarms.org.