For more than 25 years my husband and I have lived a subsistence oriented lifestyle in Alaska growing and wild-harvesting vegetables, berries, fruits, fish and game. In 2012 we moved from one of the coldest valleys in the Fairbanks area to the relatively temperate coast of Southeast of Alaska. We have been expanding and improving our market vegetable and medicinal herb gardens since then.

I have had the same struggles that many women have -- overdoing, overwhelmed, working hard to make by business successful while ignoring my own self care. I have been fortunate that I have spent years pursuing my dreams and living my ideal life -- unfortunately at times trading balance for some other future time.

Then in January 2025 I got a cancer diagnosis. Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer or a serious illness knows the darkness and fear that accompany this moment. I felt like everyone else was on the highway of life, while my life had detoured down some dark off-ramp.

Western medicine saved my life, I have a great oncologist team. I have so much gratitude. This has been my first deep personal encounter with the western medical system, and my team excelled at putting out the fire of my health crisis. 

Being catapulted from health care provider to patient has increased my compassion for people's fears, anxieties, and the pressures and vulnerability of one's vitality being compromised.

My story involves incredible good fortune. Due to new knowledge in genetic testing my oncologist detected a gene mutation that is so far my "gold card". My oncologist went from recommending chemo and radiation NOW -due to the aggressive nature of my cancer -to allowing me to be part of a study of women opting out of chemo or radiation.

Cancer is the unmistakeable elephant in the room bellowing this is your opportunity to be here now. Cancer is the brakes being applied full stop. It's the universes mandate for self care and growth.. and I want to share all that I have learned to help support you.