Grant Supports Comprehensive Breast Health Programs and the Launch of Waterwell Farms
GROVELAND, Fla. — February 6, 2024 — Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce the award of a $350,000 grant from the Live Well Foundation of South Lake.
The grant will support several programs centered on breast health, including the survivorship arm of Libby’s Legacy known as Waterwell Farms. A portion of the funding will support Phase 1 of a unique agricultural retreat for breast cancer survivors focused on:
- Nutrition and wellness
- Community and connection
- Empowerment and healing
- Sustainable agriculture and living
A Place for Survivorship, Healing, and Community
Waterwell Farms is located off State Road 33 in South Lake County, Florida. The property holds a special place in the history of Libby’s Legacy because it was once the home of Libby Maynard, the foundation’s namesake.
The Live Well Foundation’s grant will contribute to the development of Waterwell Farms as a supportive retreat where breast cancer survivors can participate in activities designed to strengthen their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Planned activities and programs include:
- Raised-bed gardening
- Food forests
- Take-home hydroponic kits
- Aquaponic food cultivation in collaboration with the City of Groveland
- Art through archery
- Wellness and community-building experiences
Supporting Cancer Prevention Through Sustainable Agriculture
The grant’s impact will extend beyond breast cancer survivors. Through its aquaponics farm, Waterwell Farms will also support cancer prevention and access to nutritious food for South Lake County residents.
Aquaponics is a sustainable farming method that combines aquaculture—the raising of fish—with hydroponics—the growing of plants without soil. In this closed-loop system, fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, while the plants filter and purify the water for the fish.
This environmentally responsible approach to food production:
- Reduces the need for external fertilizers
- Conserves water
- Supports efficient food production
- Expands access to fresh, locally grown food
Expanding Access to Breast Health Services
A portion of the grant will also support Libby’s Legacy’s breast health screening programs, including mammograms and follow-up diagnostic services.
These services will be provided at no cost to underserved communities throughout South Lake County, furthering the foundation’s commitment to early detection, prevention, education, and compassionate support.
Robin Maynard-Harris, founder of Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation, shared:
“We love how comprehensive this grant is. It’s seed to survivorship, and that’s what we’re all about. The Waterwell Farms launch is exciting because it is more than a farm retreat—it is a sanctuary where breast cancer survivors can find strength, healing, and a sense of community in a supportive environment.”
She added:
“Waterwell Farms 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 its generous support. This grant is especially meaningful because it embraces my mom’s legacy. Others will now laugh and learn on the same land where she did.”
Rodney Drawdy, chair of the Live Well Foundation of South Lake, stated:
“We are honored to partner with Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation in its mission to improve the lives of breast cancer survivors and provide essential breast health services to underserved communities in South Lake County.”
“The Waterwell Farms project, aquaponics programming, and breast health services align with our vision of supporting health and wellness initiatives that create a lasting and meaningful impact.”
About the Live Well Foundation of South Lake
Established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Live Well Foundation of South Lake is dedicated to inspiring sustainable initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of the South Lake community.
The foundation works to attract and fund essential healthcare and healthy-lifestyle programs serving local residents.
For more information, visit www.lwfsl.org.