I began this journey thinking I had it all figured out, but the Universe had other plans…

I started practicing yoga in 2014 and after completing my graduate program in 2015, yoga became a form of mental & physical therapy. I worked full-time as a therapist on the road to licensure AND part-time at a psychiatric hospital. (wheww…looking back I can’t believe I was working 12-hour days to make sure the bills were paid)

My yoga practice advanced quickly, leading me to complete a 200-hour yoga teacher certification and later Reiki Level I & II training. I started working with private clients, taught at local studios and was laser-focused on my goals.  Little did I know my WHOLE WORLD was about to change. 

August 2018 life arupbtly shifted…

I was experiencing abnormal fatigue, shortness of breath, elevated heart rate, headaches, and unexplained bruising on my body.  I dealt with these strange symptoms for almost 2 months, ignoring my body’s alarm signals (as so many of us sometimes do).

One night, I constantly stopped to catch my breath and brace myself, using the wall to keep me standing as I walked from the parking garage to my apartment. I knew something was wrong and was afraid to sleep that night. I had an EERY feeling I wouldn’t wake up if I fell asleep so I took an Uber to Washington Hospital Center, where I was admitted for testing. 

After 12+ hours of tests, blood + platelet transfusions, and observations, I was told it was Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Hearing those words, my heart sank into my stomach and I sobbed uncontrollably. Less than 48 hours into hospitalization I was told I needed to begin chemotherapy immediately because I was at risk for losing my life. Despite the shock, I DECIDED I WAS GOING TO FIGHT. Instead of hiding and silencing myself, I shared my story openly.

I received 4 rounds of chemotherapy, multiple hospitalizations, bone marrow biopsies, countless medical procedures, endured harrowing side effects, and what felt like neverending treatments. I needed help with everything, like bathing, eating, and walking because I was so physically weak. There were weeks when I was required to wake up every 4 hours to switch the antiviral medicines attached to my Hickman line, creating a pattern of sleepless nights. 

I recall rolling out of bed one day, silent tears rolling down my cheek, saying to my mom,  “I don’t think I can do this anymore.” I was exhausted from the daily physical and emotional pain. I was pleading for relief from the emotional and physical agony of every day.

Finally, on December 21, 2018, I received my bone marrow transplant, with my brother as my donor, a perfect match. We were told the odds of him being the perfect genetic match were low because we have different biological fathers.  I didn’t realize it then, but the transplant fell on the Winter Solstice, a day that symbolizes death, rebirth, and renewal.

LIfe Post Transplant...

I decided to devote my energy to a life of well-being, healing, connection, leaning into love, and living in alignment with my heart’s desires, creativity, storytelling, and self-discovery.

This led me deeper into Human Design, Plant Medicine, Astrology, Breathwork, Meditation, Energy Work, and other mind-body practices for my healing and recovery. What I did for myself, is now a gift I get to share with others on their journeys.

The most challenging experience of my life taught me beautiful lessons. I learned to love deeper, invest in my passions, express my needs, follow my heart, and align with my authentic self….living happily, graciously, freely, creatively, and CANCER-FREE.

to everyone who supported me along the way, I am eternally grateful.

with love + Gratitude