Marla’s Story
When Marla was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in July 2023, she faced an uncertain future. Today, she is MRD negative and continuing maintenance treatment, but her journey has taught her that survivorship is about much more than simply reaching remission.
At the heart of her approach is what she calls "Radical Hope"—the belief that she can live a long, healthy, and meaningful life filled with abundance, love, and joy.
A mother of three, grandmother of two, and lover of writing, yoga, photography, sunsets, and time with family and friends, Marla moved to North County San Diego shortly before her diagnosis. As she navigated treatment, she found herself searching for connection, support, and ways to care for both her body and spirit.
Encouraged by friends and fellow cancer survivors, she attended her first Be Well class and immediately felt welcomed.
Over time, Be Well became much more than a yoga class. It became a community.
Many of Marla's closest local friendships were formed through Be Well, and the relationships she has built continue far beyond the yoga mat. Together, members check in on one another, offer support, and celebrate each other's victories.
The physical benefits have been meaningful as well. Through yoga, Marla has become stronger, more balanced, and more connected to her body. But some of the most important lessons came on the difficult days.
"There have been times I've come to class and simply laid on my mat," she says. "I didn't feel well, but I showed up."
Those moments taught her that healing doesn't require perfection. Sometimes it simply means arriving exactly as you are.
What stands out most to Marla about Be Well is the complete acceptance she feels in every class. "I don't worry about my hair, makeup, or what I'm wearing," she says. "It's a judgment-free zone."
As someone living with a cancer that is often considered a chronic condition, Marla understands that survivorship is an ongoing journey. She believes support is needed long after treatment ends and that caring for the body, mind, and spirit remains essential every day.
For Marla, survivorship is both simple and profound.
"Each day I'm alive, I am a cancer survivor," she says. "Survivorship requires that I take good care of my body, mind, and spirit each and every 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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