Kathy’s Story
Kathy has always embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Whether she's traveling, cooking, gardening, reading, learning new languages, or spending time with her family, she believes in staying engaged with the world around her. These days, you'll often find her attending yoga classes, practicing Spanish and Italian, or enjoying time with her grandchildren.
That appreciation for life has only deepened since her ovarian cancer diagnosis in May 2012.
Over the years, Kathy has faced many challenges, but one of the most difficult has been watching others in the cancer community lose their battles with the disease.
"One of the biggest challenges is keeping a positive attitude when so many around you are passing from cancer," she says.
The experience has given her a unique perspective on survivorship and the complicated emotions that can come with it, including survivor's guilt.
Through it all, Kathy found strength in the unwavering support of her husband, family, and friends. Their love helped carry her through treatment and recovery.
Years later, after the loss of her husband of 47 years, Kathy relocated to California to be closer to family. While navigating grief and a new chapter of life, she discovered another source of support through the Be Well community.
Introduced to Be Well by a close friend, Kathy attended her first class expecting it to be like other yoga classes she had tried in the past. Instead, she found something entirely different.
"Everybody was so welcoming and supportive," she recalls.
What began as a yoga class soon became a safe place to connect, heal, and simply be herself.
Over time, Be Well has provided not only physical wellness, but also a meaningful social community and emotional support during some of life's most challenging seasons. From retreats and social gatherings to simple moments of encouragement in class, Kathy has found comfort in knowing she is surrounded by people who genuinely care.
For Kathy, one of the most important lessons survivorship has taught her is that life can change in an instant.
That's why she chooses to approach each day with gratitude.
"Being grateful for every day and appreciating how quickly everything can change," she says. "Living life to the fullest."
Today, Kathy continues to embrace new experiences, nurture meaningful relationships, and celebrate the gift of each day.
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Be Well Therapy provides free yoga, wellness programs, retreats, and supportive community for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
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