Pat Draper manages the Heart Failure and Transitional Care Clinic at the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. Pat got involved with the Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation in 2015 by attending a writing workshop at the Writing Center. The following year, she attended our Poetry & BBQ event and was motivated by what she heard from the featured poets. Pat was inspired by the event to join the Porch Poets, a group of poets supported by the Foundation who meet on the front porch of the Laura (Riding) Jackson historic home to help one another as they craft their writing.
The Porch Poets quickly became an important part of Pat’s life, and support from the group led to her submitting poems online and winning a publishing package through Rebel Magic Books. Her book The Tao of Hibiscus was published last December.
The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation has been central to my writing experience by offering programs and supporting the Porch Poets. I believe that LRJF is a reflection of the cultural heritage available in our community. It’s here for us all, students and adults alike.
Pat Draper
We are proud to be a part of helping amazing members of our community like Pat Draper successfully find their voices.
