Life Takes Twists and Turns…
Dear Friends,
I have a personal story to share. In 2011, my world shifted when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Like so many others, I stepped into the unknown, facing surgery, nine months of treatment, and the emotional weight that comes with every lab result, every appointment, every moment of uncertainty. I got through it, and like many survivors, I rebuilt my life with quiet gratitude.
Then, in 2021, I heard those words again. Recurrence. More surgery. More treatment. And this time, six months of intense care, including aggressive radiation that carried new risks, one of which was breast cancer-related lymphedema, or BCRL.
BCRL is a condition that affects nearly one in three breast cancer survivors. It causes painful swelling, fluid buildup, and restricted range of motion in the upper extremities. It impacts not just the body, but also how we feel in our bodies. It can become permanent if not treated early, and yet, due to a nationwide shortage of Certified Lymphedema Specialists, many women go without timely care.
The key is early detection. With a tool called bioimpedance spectroscopy, or BIS, fluid changes can be identified before symptoms appear, allowing for swift, targeted intervention. Alongside this, research shows that movement, strength training, and compression can play a powerful role in both treatment and prevention. But what about yoga?
Yoga was part of my healing. It helped restore movement, soften emotional edges, and remind me that I still had strength and, breath and grace within me. Today, yoga is recognized as a therapeutic tool that supports quality of life for survivors. However, there is little to no research on its preventative potential, especially for BCRL.
That is something I hope to change.
I am looking forward to collaborating with the Frederick Health Oncology Clinical Trials Department, the breast center, physical therapy, and Integrative Services at the James M. Stockman Cancer Institute. Together, we aim to launch a randomized, controlled study that will evaluate whether yoga can help prevent BCRL. Participants in the study will receive twelve weeks of one-on-one yoga specifically designed to improve range of motion, promote lymphatic flow, and reduce the risk of fluid buildup.
It is my hope that this study will not only validate yoga as a preventative tool, but also pave the way for community-accessible yoga programs for survivors. I envision affordable, inclusive group classes offered at spaces like Yogamour, led by trained professionals working in collaboration with healthcare providers.
But to make that dream a reality, we need your help.
This Memorial Day weekend is not just a time for picnics and backyard barbecues. It is a time to reflect. A time to honor the brave individuals who gave everything in service to our country. Their sacrifice allows us the freedom to gather, to heal, to live, and to love. Let us pause in gratitude for the lives lost and the families who carry that loss every day.
As we reflect on what matters most, let us also come together in purpose. Let us use our time, our movement, and our breath in honor of something greater than ourselves.
Join us on Monday, May 27, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. for 90 minutes of Power Yoga Flow at Yogamour. This class is donation-based, with 100% of proceeds supporting the Integrative Wellness Program that brings yoga to patients at The James M. Stockman Cancer Institute. If you are unable to join us in person, we invite you to practice with us live on Instagram at @yogamour_healing_arts.
Together, we can move in remembrance, in gratitude, and in service to one another.
With infinite gratitude,
Geni and the Yogamour Team 💜
“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller