CANDLELIT SOMATIC YOGA

Please join us for a VERY special community, donation-based class:

This Yin/Nidra Fusion class will provided gentle mobility through a series of poses, movements and meditations that create warmth and loving awareness throughout the body.

 Tandem-taught by Mo and Haley, this donation-based class is being held to support one of our own. 

Alana - a beloved yogi, mom and wife - is bravely facing a health challenge.

Let's come together to support Alana, hear her story and learn how we can create body awareness. 

(Read her full story below about how Alana discovered something was wrong while listening to her body during our Whistler yoga retreat lead by Mo and Haley.) 

Suggested minimum donation of $20. Donations can be made online when registering OR with cash donations at the studio. If you are donating with cash, please pre-register to ensure we have enough spots for everyone looking to support Alana. 

Saturday, February 15th
6:30pm - 8:00pm (90 minutes)

Alana's Story

In 2021 at the age of 44, raising two boys, embarking on a new career, and like most my age, very busy managing all aspects of life. My “Me time” was spent on a yoga mat, a quiet break in my day that allowed me the time and opportunity to relax and quieten the external world to focus on the nourishing benefits for my mind and body. It was in these quiet moments that I noticed discomfort in my lower abdomen and a nagging feeling in my body that something was “off.”

This is where my journey would begin. After scheduling appts to discuss the pain and discomfort, a colonoscopy was scheduled. During the colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer, which was able to be removed during the procedure. Genetic testing found no genetic component. After the initial shock wore off, I began to dial up an even more healthy lifestyle, even though I was told there was less than 3% of the cancer returning in 5 years. Each passing year would bring that small percentage down closer to zero. I was being monitored and tested every 6 months and at the one year mark, my colonoscopy was negative. However, things began to change at the 2 year mark in 2023. I again began to notice amplified pain in the lower abdominal area along with other symptoms I had initially experienced in 2021. I immediately started advocating for another colonoscopy and scans, however, this time I was denied the testing. My health began to deteriorate quickly and I ended up in the ER. I was later sent home with no additional testing or scans but instead was told about the importance of increased fiber intake - (my diet was already organic and plant-based). I continued to live with the discomfort I felt every day in my body and the nagging thoughts racing through my mind that something was again “off” and just “not” right.

I decided to attend a yoga retreat in an effort to find calm and peace. A few days after returning from the retreat, I ended up in the ER again with severe abdominal pain just like 8 months prior. A colonoscopy was given, this time a tumor was found that was blocking my colon. This blockage had also spread in to my liver meaning it was stage 4 colon cancer. It was then my entire life crashed and disappeared leaving me, my husband and two kids in a terrifying unknown state. While I awaited surgery, I couldn’t eat anything - only protein shakes for 6 weeks. All I could think of is how did this happen and what could I have done to prevent it. I realized and felt my voice had not been heard regarding the pain and health issues I had been experiencing.

After 6 weeks, I was finally scheduled for surgery. A softball sized tumor was removed from my colon. Other female organs were removed as well due to the size of the tumor expanding to those areas. Every day is challenging not just for me but for my family. I had to learn to walk again, and through perseverance, I slowly regained my strength. My kids and husband have been here to support me along with our yellow Labrador for emotional support. I credit yoga classes for helping me to be in tune with my body and knowing immediately when something does not feel right. This self-awareness probably saved my life and despite the medical care setbacks, I am so very grateful to be here. It’s been nearly 6 months and I have now completed 11 of 12 chemotherapy treatments. There is still a long road ahead of us as I travel to Houston, TX in 2 weeks for a second opinion and another major surgery in 4 weeks to remove 2 additional tumors in which 15% of my liver will be removed as well. I'm looking forward to being cancer-free and adjusting to a new and different life than before. I had to resign from my work just as I was making strides there. I will be closely monitored for the next 5 years for signs of a return. It’s hard to believe but it could be worse, way worse than it is or could have been.

The psychological, emotional, and social burden has been heavy as has the financial burden. Despite all this, I’m still here, still strong and fighting to see my children grow up, graduate high school, get married and have children of their own. Old is the goal along with other new goals like running a 5K for cancer research. It is worth sharing my story if I can help others by sharing what I have been through and experienced. The recommended age to have your colonoscopy is 45. If you have symptoms, schedule one earlier or at any age. Listen to your body and your intuition. No one knows your body better than you. My husband and I have been off social media for 4+ years, so we rely on others to share my story/journey. Please feel free to share with loved ones to spread awareness.

With Gratitude,
Alana

Celebrate and support Alana with us.

Join us February 15th at 6:30pm for a 90 minute Candle Somatic Yoga Class.

Suggested minimum donation - $20.

Donations can be made online at registration or in cash at the studio starting February 1st.

Thank you for doing yoga and doing good.

We are passionate about supporting those in need and lifting our community up through yoga. If you have an idea, event or organization that might be interested in patterning with us for a community yoga class, please reach out. Email us at info@sparkhotyogastudio.com.