My trusted resources for body, mind, and spirit
If cancer has taught me anything, it’s that healing is a whole body process. Below are the resources I use or have used to touch on all aspects of healing. It’s not a comprehensive archive of everything I’ve tried, and some are only available locally in Los Angeles, but every item is a jumping off point. I believe deeply in integrative care, and I seek to normalize using different resources and modalities to address different elements of healing at different times.
My trusted doctors + healers.
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Grace Suh LAc, Dipl OM
Grace is a truly gifted intuitive healer, and uses acupuncture, energy clearing, and hypnotherapy in her practice. I can’t recommend her enough. I started seeing her post-surgery for recovery and continued well beyond addressing other imbalances and issues. info here
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Dr. Rachel West, D.O.
Dr West, at Longevity LA, is the kind of resource you hate to broadcast too loudly, because she’s so helpful and already quite in-demand. From a functional medicine / holistic lens, she addresses your health woes with both western and eastern approaches. info here
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Dr. Nalini Chilkov, L.Ac., O.M.D.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Naturopath with specialty in oncology; available on Zoom info here
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Remission Nutrition
This wonderfully skilled team is available online for bio-individual oncology-specialized nutrition support. They are gentle and knowledgeable, and offer ongoing, tangible support. info here
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The Portal LA
The Portal LA offers a variety of energy and sound healing through a variety of techniques. Sharada LaSpisa is a true healer, incorporating her intuitive nature into a protocol that’s best for your individual needs. info here
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Dr. Masha Livhits
UCLA Endocrine Surgeon. She is highly-skilled, knowledgeable, and has a firm but gentle bedside manner. info here
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Ananda De Martini of anandevi
Ananda is a skilled, natural healer with offerings in ayurveda, jyotish (vedic astrology), reiki, and craniosacral support. info here
Meditation + Mindfulness resources.
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Friday Morning Drop-In's with Chris Carmena
My dear friend Chris Carmena hosts a drop-in meditation weekly on Fridays at 7:30am PST. To join, head to his website > Meditations > scroll down to "Meet Chris" and click Join Zoom. So simple!
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Meditation Apps I like
Cancer Community: AYA Focus
(but not exclusive to AYAs)
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Elephants & Tea
Elephants & Tea is a part of the Steven G. Cancer Foundation, providing a space for AYA voices to be heard. They produce a magazine for and by AYA authors. They also have programming around journaling, connection, and other wellness offerings.
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Cactus Cancer Society
Cactus Cancer Society provides programming where AYA’s facing cancer can connect through creativity and expression. They have a variety of programming, accessible online.
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Dear Jack Foundation
Started by Andrew McMahon of Jack’s Mannequin, Dear Jack Foundation provides programs for AYA’s facing cancer and their families/partners to connect and heal. I personally got to participate in one of their Breathe Now retreats and had a wonderful experience.
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WeSpark
WeSpark offers free programming for cancer (not only AYA) experiencers and their loved ones, with everything from specific support groups to various wellness offerings (think tai chi, gentle yoga, and guided imagery). Based in Los Angeles, but have Zoom offerings as well.
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Teen Cancer America
TCA focuses on improving adolescent and young adult cancer experiences at the hospital-level to better serve their specific needs. They offer education for healthcare providers and partner with hospitals to help them develop programming tailored to the needs of AYAs.
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Cancer Support Community
There are chapters of Cancer Support Communities all over the country, though many offer online programming that is easily accessible. They offer support groups, wellness activities, and access to mental health care and resources.
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Stupid Cancer
Stupid Cancer provides programming for AYA’s to end isolation and foster community. Their programming includes CancerCon, meetups, and more. Their website has a list of resources by topic, as well.
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We Got This
We Got This. is a gift registry for cancer thrivers and supporters. They make it easy to create and update a gift registry (including donations!) to help you feel more supported during your cancer experience. You can also go on and purchase something for a stranger in need!
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Living Beauty
Living Beauty offers wellness retreats for women experiencing cancer to provide hope and skills for coping with their cancer journey.
Cancer: Outdoor Adventures
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First Descents
First Descents provides AYA’s the chance to participate in a weeklong outdoor adventure program, including kayaking, whitewater rafting, surfing, and climbing. Their experiences are all over the United States and also available to people living with MS, healthcare workers, and caregivers.
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Project Koru
Project Koru creates opportunities for cancer survivors to connect and find purpose beyond cancer through outdoor camps and community. Fun fact: before I had my diagnosis, I used to do freelance graphic design for them. Small world!
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True North Treks
True North Treks provides AYA's the opportunity to try out wilderness adventures through programs they call Treks, and retreat weekends at their house in the UP of Michigan. Participants have historically been able to participate in multiple trips.
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We Are Ocean
Newport Aquatic Center / We Are Ocean provides ocean-based, transformational adventures for teens and young adults (15-39) fighting and surviving cancer. They have daylong, overnight, weeklong, and other challenges to get involved.
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River Discovery
River Discovery provides adventures for cancer survivors that promote healing and strengthening of the Mind, Body, and Spirit. Some programs include opportunities for caregivers/co-survivors.
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Send It
Send It provides AYA cancer patients (21-40) and survivors opportunities to participate in outdoor adventures around Lake Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay Area.
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Reel Recovery
Although not specific for AYAs, it's important for adults to have time to connect in nature. Reel Recovery provides free fly-fishing retreats for men living with all forms of cancer.
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Epic Experience
Also for adults, not specifically AYAs, Epic Experience offers wilderness camps and meetups for adult cancer survivors and thrivers.
Cancer resources.
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My Alula - Chemo Support
My Alula is a one-stop shop for all things cancer care, with a particular lens on chemo. They have recommended products for helpful wearables to nausea control.
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Care + Wear
Care + Wear offers a range of adaptive clothing so you can be comfortable whether you have a port access, PICC line, or some other adaptive need. They also sell scrubs, in case you want to match your beloved nurses.
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Lists on Lists!
There are several other sites that have great lists of resources for AYA cancer resources, so I wanted to link to them here: Cactus Cancer Society has a great resources page and Young Adult Cancer Connection also has a great resource list.
Also Liv & Let has a list specific for breast cancer info.