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"Whether we become the phoenix or remain the ashes is up to us."

- Deng Ming-Dao

What if you're just one mindset shift away from a new life?

Lasting change begins with insight, readiness, and the right tools.Through coaching, hypnotherapy, and integrative health guidance, I’ll help you bridge the gap between intention and transformation. Together we will break old patterns and build a life that truly supports your healing.

I'm ready to thrive!

Backed by science.
Driven by soul.
Built on change that lasts.

Hey friend, want to know a secret? You're not stuck. You're in between patterns. Let's build new ones together.

Your healing begins where your beliefs begin to shift. I'm here to help. I bring a one of a kind perspective as a health and wellness practitioner by combining behavioral change coaching, transformative hypnotherapy, broad knowledge of integrative oncology, and most importantly, personal experience. Like you, I have walked a road to healing and understand what it takes to succeed.

Sounds great, but what does that look like in real life? Click below to discover why an Integrative Health Coach is the best health and wellness practitioner you never knew you can't live without.

Hey there, I'm Nicole

Certified Integrative Health Coach, Hypnotherapist, Stage IV Cancer Thriver, and your new favorite hype girl.

Tell me more!

Experience the powerful combination of Hypnotherapy & Coaching

How can I help you?

80

%

Success rate in smoking cessation after 3 months.

Performance by gender in a stop-smoking program combining hypnosis and aversion

65

%

Patients reported long term improvement in quality of life and symptoms of IBS such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, and abdominal pain

Source: Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of gut-directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

70

Success rate of cessation of substance abuse at one year follow up.

%

Intensive therapy: utilizing hypnosis in the treatment of substance abuse disorders

80

%

Overall reported efficacy of Hypnotherapy after only 6 sessions.

Research: Science Proves Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy

75

%

Of randomized critical trials showed health improvements after health coaching across diverse populations and modalities.

Health and Wellness Coaching Improves Weight and Nutrition Behaviors

15

%

Workplace savings each on absenteeism, health care costs, and workers’ compensation and disability management claims costs after implementing a wellness program.

Workplace health programs can impact health care costs

My Services

Corporate Wellness Programs

Healing Hypnotherapy

Integrative Oncology Coaching

Health & Wellness Coaching

Integrative Health Consulting and Education

Join me in a unique healing approach you won't find anywhere else.

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Client Love

Nicole is an exceptional wellness coach. Through my work with Nicole I have identified challenges in my health journey, created plans to meet them head on, and have taken actionable steps toward progress. Nicole fosters a trusting relationship and through skillful coaching supports you in identifying your goals and supporting you in creating a plan to meet those goals! If you are looking for a wellness coach who has YOUR best interest in mind and heart & who possesses the skills and expertise to guide you to achieving those goals, Nicole is your person!

-Kelly Ballard

My hypnosis experience with Nicole was “literally” out of this world. What I was able to account from my near death experience under hypnosis not only gave me much clarity, but confirmation of my soul mission and my true purpose for my second chance at life. I had been under hypnosis before, but Nicole is next level. She is pure Divine love, her voice hypnotic, you feel so comfortable and in such a safe place during your session allowing you to quickly relax and get into a deep state of meditation. There is no doubt that Nicole was born to do this work. She is a true gift, a woman of deep compassion and love. I highly recommend Waymaker Wellness. Nicole is the missing link to your healing, schedule your appointment and experience her gifts.

-Kelley Graff McConnell

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Stage 4 Thriver!

Join me on my Youtube channel, where we use the Integrative Approach to heal chronic disease!

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I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:19

You don’t need a silent house or a perfect setup to take care of yourself. My kids and even the dog wandered through while I did my Thrive Challenge today, and that’s the point.
Self-care can happen right in the middle of real life. 🏃‍♀️🧖‍♀️❄️ And honestly? It’s a gift when our kids get to see it. They learn that moving your body, sitting in the sauna, or even braving a cold plunge is normal, doable, and part of everyday life.
So don’t wait for perfect conditions. Take the time, make the space, and let your family see what caring for yourself looks like. 💛
#ThriveChallenge #SelfCareInRealLife #Stage4Thriver

Feel the healing power of red light! Just don’t look right into it. 😎 #healthandwellness #stage4cancer #stage4thriver #redlighttherapy

Thrive Challenge Day 2: take a look into a typical day after clearing stage 4 cancer. #stage4cancer #holistichealth #integrativehealth

Grounding reduces inflammation and it’s completely free. #stage4thriver #integrativehealthcoach #integrativehealth #grounding #earthing

Day 1 of the Thrive challenge! I’m stocking up on good ingredients and getting ready to prep a chicken souvlaki bowl and a lentil soup. I’ve also started my supplement protocol. Join us in my Facebook group to be a part of the challenge, it would be great to have you!

Tomorrow is many things. It is the 3 year anniversary of Wesley’s diagnosis. It is the first day of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s day 1 of the Thrive Challenge. The Thrive Challenge focuses on 4 pillars of an overall healthy lifestyle: Nutrition, supplements, exercises, and integrative practices. These are the things I did every single day when I was healing. And this month I will do them again. Why?

1. To remember and reconnect with my purpose and to walk the walk.
2. To recommit to the lifestyle practices that I know work.
3. To honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by recognizing that reducing the burden of cancer is a responsibility we ALL hold. Cancer is on the rise in every age group. Let’s make health a priority to not only ourselves, but those around us, our families, and our children.
4. To honor Wesley.

🎗️That last one makes me emotional. How does this challenge honor Wesley?🎗️

I remember when I was doing all these things every day and feeling like it was “hard.” I had the realization that denying myself unhealthy food or feeling tired from exercise is the kind of “hard” that is a blessing. Wesley and children facing life threatening illness endure a kind of “hard” that some of us can not even begin to wrap our minds around. And they do it with the beauty and innocence of childhood. It is a heartbreaking and breathtaking thing to witness. And since I’ve seen it with my own eyes, I know that my “hard” will never be the same as his. And I remember that any and every time I don’t feel like making the healthier choice. I remember that and I make the right choice. I do it for him.

My Thrive Challenge Guidebook is going out to everyone who asked for it today! Check your inboxes. I look forward to walking this out with you in September. 💛💛💛

In today’s video, I’m briefly going over how I will be tracking exercise in the September Thrive Challenge. I will be using authoritative guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) which looks like this:

* Moderate-intensity activity: 150 to 300 minutes per week. This includes brisk walking, recreational swimming, dancing, and gardening.
* Vigorous-intensity activity: 75 to 150 minutes per week. This includes running, swimming laps, or cycling on hills.
* Equivalent combination: An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity is also acceptable.
* Muscle-strengthening activity
* Adults should also include muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week, working all major muscle groups such as legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms. Examples include lifting weights, using resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, and heavy gardening
I am committing to 2 ½ hours per week of running, daily walks with my dog, and at least 2 strength building sessions per week (although I’d love to make that 3, we will see!).

I will be tracking my runs on Strava and will add the strength training sessions to my tracker. Check the comments for a link to my favorite strength building YouTuber Caroline Girvan. She has tons of free, challenging workouts on her channel.

I am almost done the freebie for the challenge, and it’s turning into a whole workbook! If you haven’t yet, comment “Thrive” below to get your copy when it’s finished.

Aaannnd one more thing. I accidentally deleted my first video from my timeline (oops!!), and unfortunately lost the comments from that post. 😩 so if you see this and had commented “thrive” on that, could you go ahead and comment again here? Thank you so much!

I am doing this challenge for🎗️ Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 🎗️Let’s honor those healing and remember our beautiful angels by taking the steps we can to be better, to approach each day more mindfully, and reduce the burden of cancer everywhere by making health a real priority in our lives.

Keep thriving! 💛#stage4cancer #stage4thriver #integrativehealth #childhoodcancerawareness #integrativeoncology #healthchallenge

In today’s video I am showing how I track supplements. Next week when I start the challenge, supplement tracking will be built right into my day.

By the way, “A Day in the Life of a Stage 4 Thriver” is far too long of a title, so I am just going to call it the “Thrive” Challenge.

I have been revealing day by day what the challenge will entail. So far, I have shared that nutrition will follow an anti-inflammatory, mediterranean style diet, and I will be following a supplement protocol that has been personally tailored to my specific health needs.

Tomorrow I will show you how I will track movement and exercise, and on Friday I will share the other modalities I will include. To recap, the challenge will have these pillars:

1. Anti-inflammatory Mediterranean Diet 🍒🥑🥒🥕
2. Supplement protocol 💊
3. Exercise regiment 🏃‍♀️
4. Integrative practices that are FREE and accessible to ALL 🧘🙏☀️🌲

That last one I am so passionate about… As amazing as it would be to go to an exorbitantly expensive holistic clinic, this isn’t available to all of us. Not by a long shot, myself included. I love to demystify integrative practices and show how much we all have access to already. 💪

Are you interested in the pillars I mentioned above, but unsure where to start or how to create your own approach? Helping you design a protocol that works for YOU is exactly what I am trained to do. Follow me in September while I walk this thing out, I will be sharing as much knowledge as I can.

I am doing this challenge for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 🎗️🎗️🎗️Let’s honor those healing and remember our beautiful angels by taking the steps we can to be better, to approach each day more mindfully, and reduce the burden of cancer everywhere by making health a real priority in our lives.

Keep thriving! 💛💛💛

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in following and/or joining me in September for my Day in the Life of a Stage 4 Thriver Challenge. I promised you guys freebies, and here is my progress with that. I have a Mediterranean Diet guideline you can use to help with food prep and grocery shopping. I will also add on a supplement and activity tracker. I hope this pdf will be helpful to anyone who would like a copy. I will look back on my last post for those who requested it, but also it’s not too late. Drop “Thrive” in the comments here if you want a copy when it’s finished.
Tomorrow I will check in with you guys about how I track supplements. And also I need to talk about something really important in its own post… OLIVE OIL! Olive oil is not just a cooking ingredient, it is a super powerful anti cancer supplement. But not all olive oil is created equal. More on that later. Talk to you all again soon!
Keep thriving! 💛💛💛
#cancerjourney #holisticcancerhealing #holistichealth

September has always held deep meaning for me.
It’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and September 1st is Wesley’s diagnosis day. Last year, I honored it by running memory miles leading up to the dedication of Wesley’s playground. This year, I want to honor it in a new way.
I recently celebrated 18 months of remaining cancer-free (NED) after stage 4 cancer. As more time passes, I’ve realized that many of the habits, regimens, and healing modalities I once practiced so passionately have slipped. And yet, they were life-giving. They worked.
So this September, I’m recommitting. I’ll be sharing openly what it looks like to live each day as if I were still healing:
🌱 Anti-inflammatory Mediterranean eating
💊 Supplements and integrative practices
💪 Exercise, running, strength, and movement
❄️ Cold plunging + sauna
🧘 Mindfulness and restorative practices
I’m calling it: A Day in the Life of a Stage 4 Thriver.
It’s a challenge, yes. But it’s also an invitation. To recommit. To walk the walk. To thrive, no matter what.
Want to join me or follow along? Comment “thrive” and I will send you materials I am creating to go along with this challenge, such as a nutrition guide and habit tracker. Also tag anyone you know who may benefit from some useful resources in their healing journey. I am here to help! You can also join my Facebook group which I will link below. Thank you for following along with me and I look forward to claiming greater health and wellness with you. Keep thriving!
#Stage4Thriver #HealingJourney #CancerAwareness #WellnessChallenge #AntiInflammatoryLiving #childhoodcancerawareness #stage4cancer

This dream was born nearly 3 years ago in Wesley’s hospital room at CHOP. I didn’t know how I would do it. I didn’t even know if I would live to see myself accomplish it. All I knew was that cancer had changed the trajectory of my life and I would never be the same. And I knew I wanted to help.

I began my master’s program while Wes and I were both in a brief phase of recovery, and I stuck with it through everything that came after. Today I learned that I passed my board exam and am officially a fully credentialed National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach! I am so proud of this milestone and the road it took to get me here. It leads right back to Wesley and all the ways he has forever inspired me and my sense of purpose.

As a health coach, I am a partner who helps you uncover your strengths, build confidence, and create lasting lifestyle changes that support your whole well-being. My training has prepared me to be a specialist in behavior change, and my life experience brings in a deep sense of empathy and the ability to meet my clients exactly where they are. If you’re looking for support from someone with a strong background in integrative health and a passion for helping others thrive, I’d love to walk alongside you!

I am now taking clients and would love to support you. If you’re curious about how coaching works or how it could help in your life, I’d be happy to answer any questions. 💛💛💛

An update that has been months in the making! 🥳 I have put blood, sweat, and tears into my little slice of heaven in the poconos, and I’m *almost* ready to open its beautiful doors. Would you like to come? It would make perfect sense if you:

⭐️Are looking for a unique getaway with your friends that offers bliss inducing, relaxing amenities. These girls weekends are perfect for birthdays and bachelorette celebrations!

⭐️Would like to experience a one of a kind portrait photography experience where your professional photo gallery is INCLUDED in your weekend getaway with your besties. How is that for a two for one?

⭐️Want to participate in a healing retreat with a small number of people where you get one on one services like massage, reiki, coaching, hypnotherapy, etc in addition to group sessions, workshops in breathwork, contrast therapy, and parasympathetic nervous system activation. Let the healing begin! These experiences are for small groups (5-7) and can be tailored to your specific interests.

⭐️ Are an artist, photographer, or healing practitioner who is interested in building community and collaboration. How can we work together? Teamwork is a powerful accelerator and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish when we combine our strengths.

This post isn’t about specifics just yet. I definitely have more detailed ideas, including possible retreat itineraries and schedules for the most epic girls weekends I can dream up. Right now my main goal is to let you, my wonderful network, know that this is happening and SOON.

For more details please send me a message and we can chat! The last few years have been life altering in ways I haven’t even been able to share yet, but I have always believed that it has had a purpose. And part of that purpose is about to emerge. I can’t wait to see all the good, healing, creativity, love, and beauty that are nurtured by the Kaleidoscope House. It is a dream come true.

Keep thriving! Xoxo -Nicole 💛

These beautiful photos were taken 3 years ago. It’s incredible to reflect on the oceans I’ve crossed since these images were taken the day before my first infusion of chemo. I’ve lived lifetimes since then. My heart has been broken… not only to pieces but also wide open. To find both love and loss. To feel both joy and pain. To be faced with the choice to accept transformation without despair, and in return be given the indescribable presence of grace.

These images mean so much to me. There are so many of Wes, taken before we even knew what was looming ahead. This night was beautiful. Unforgettable. So special. There was so much levity and light infused into an otherwise dark situation. My entire journey with cancer and loss has been like that. That is the gift of grace.

That time was the sand. My faith was the hands. And Grace was the sunlight illuminating each grain with beauty as it fell from my grasp.

Thank you forever and always for this session, Marisa McGovern 💛💛💛

Hi friends 👋
It’s been a while! I’m here today with one of my best and most gifted friends, Kelley. We are both holistic health practitioners in Bucks County, and are so excited to chat more about our services: hypnotherapy and Reiki! 🌈💆‍♂️

💫 Hypnotherapy helps you unlock your mind’s potential, overcome obstacles, and embrace positive change! Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, break habits, or boost confidence, hypnotherapy can be a safe and powerful way to help you achieve your goals. 💪🧠

💖 Reiki is all about healing energy. It promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and restores balance in mind, body, and spirit. Imagine feeling lighter and more centered! 🌌✨

We have both experienced the healing potential of these modalities, and look forward to serving you on your own healing path.

Let us know if you have questions or want to learn more! 🌿🕊️

#Hypnotherapy #Reiki #WellnessJourney #HealingEnergy #PositiveChange

With nicer weather here, I am so excited to explore the poconos and become more familiar with all the magic this area has to offer. In time, I will know exactly what to recommend to my guests, and will have a list of hidden location gems for photography clients. Future portrait sessions will feature waterfalls, scenic vistas, and serene lakes. I’m truly excited for what the future holds and all of the beautiful photos that are yet to come. My biggest goal is to see the healing artist and visual artist in me merge into a new career that embraces my purpose at a higher level. I hope I see some of you along the way… for photos, for the pursuit of wellness, for collaboration, or even just to visit in this beautiful place right here in PA. Bushkill falls, while not a contender for photo sessions, surpassed all my expectations. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The kids did not want to leave. Highly recommend. And it is just 5 minutes away from the Kaleidoscope House. 💛✨💛✨#stage4thriver #bushkillfalls #poconos

If I’m being totally honest, tomorrow is going to be the hardest Mother’s Day I’ve had yet, and I sort of wish I could skip it. But deeper than my emotions is the truer story that I am so grateful to still be here, to hold on tight to Lucy and Aiden, and to watch them grow. And while I’m coping with all these heavy thoughts and feelings, it’s good to know I’ve learned some tools that actually work. While faith is the bedrock always, what springs from there are the real life tangible actions I can take. Very often it’s the sharp and vivid present moment I am brought to so effortlessly by the cold. Find what works and trust it. #stage4cancer #stage4thriver #integrativehealth #coldplunge #wimhofmethod

Today isn’t about what I do.
It’s about who I am.
It’s about how I choose to show up in this world.
It’s about what I say yes to.
Today isn’t about striving, or end results, or even the finish line.
It’s about saying yes to the moment over and over and over.
And after saying yes thousands of times, the finish line appears.
Because that’s how all goals are actually accomplished.

Today is about the road that brought me here, which is one of love accepting grief and seeing what happens when the two sit next to each other. It’s about letting the world know that even as it keeps moving, I won’t forget. 🎗️🎗️🎗️

Let it be known that there was a boy named Wesley. He was bright and brilliant and curious and funny. He brought joy into the lives of everyone who knew him. He had a presence that was full of light. He could make just about anyone laugh. He is loved and remembered. He has made me into the person I am.

And he is still here. He can never really be gone from me. Today he will be the wind at my back. The tread of my steps. The beat of my heart. The very blood in my veins. And when I cross the finish line, he will be on my shoulders.

Say their names: Today I am running in memory of Wesley and Victoria. Will you remember them with me? Can you take a moment to say their names? It would mean everything to me to fill the comments of this post with WESLEY and VICTORIA.

I’m ending this with a shout out to Lucy and Aiden. I love you both so much. You are my motivators, the reason I say yes to all my moments regardless of how difficult they may be. Being your mom is and always will be the greatest privilege of my life.

See you at the finish line 💪💪💪

💛I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

💛There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18

💛God is within her. She will not fall. Psalm 46:5

First cryotherapy today! My pod has been frozen solid for weeks so I am super excited about this. New modality unlocked! Biggest success today was hitting 2.5 miles completely pain free. 💪🙌

✨ The Power of Cryotherapy! ❄️ ✨

Here are some incredible benefits:

1️⃣ Speedy Recovery: Cryotherapy can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, speeding up recovery time after intense workouts. 🏃‍♂️

2️⃣ Boosted Mood: Cold exposure triggers the release of endorphins, helping to elevate your mood and reduce stress. ☀️🧠

3️⃣ Enhanced Metabolism: Cold therapy can kickstart your metabolism, helping you burn more calories even while resting. 🔥💪

4️⃣ Glowing Skin: Cryotherapy can improve circulation and collagen production, leading to healthier, more radiant skin. ✨💖

5️⃣ Pain Relief: Target chronic pain and inflammation with localized cryotherapy treatments; it’s a natural way to find relief! 🙌💙

👉 Have you tried cryotherapy? Share your experience in the comments below! ⬇️

#Cryotherapy #Wellness #Recovery #Health #Fitness #SelfCare #ColdTherapy #MentalHealth #Beauty #GlowUp #stage4thriver #stage4cancer #bostonmarathon

IT band syndrome is just another challenge I’ve been called to overcome. I’ve learned the formula. Research, plan, commit, execute. Repeat until you succeed. Keep your eyes on the goal always and believe with your whole being that you will make it. #bostonmarathon #stage4thriver #stage4cancer #integrativehealth #itbandsyndrome #itband

This week in Marathon prep included, bringing out some bigger guns. I’ve had two sessions of physical therapy and have been doing a program at home. It seems to be helping a lot, and my knee pain gets less and less every day the biggest shout out, however, is to the Newtown Athletic Club. It is SO good to be back there after a hiatus of several months. It always feels like coming home and seeing family. Using the pool is helping me maintain my endurance while not running and healing my knee. Thank you especially to Linda Mitchell for your endless support to my journey. You have the biggest heart and make the world a better place every day with the work you do. I know most endeavors are not solo missions. We are held, supported, and encouraged by our community. I wouldn’t have made it half the way I have without mine. I am as good as the people around me constantly telling me I can do this, and I know I couldn’t if it weren’t for them. Onward! #stage4cancer #stage4thriver #teamroche #bostonmarathon

Friends- Last summer, you helped me raise over $5,000 for Where Angels Play Foundation to honor Wesley’s memory. I told you then that your generosity would continue to pay it forward, and today, I get to show you exactly how.

To do so, I have to introduce you to another incredible organization— The Victoria McGrath Foundation—and the remarkable young lady behind it.

Victoria McGrath survived the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing and turned her healing into service, mentoring veterans with similar injuries. Tragically, she was killed in a car accident in 2016, but her legacy lives on through the Victoria McGrath Foundation, which supports veterans, children, and families in need. Like Wesley, Victoria has a playground in her honor, and now, her foundation is helping Where Angels Play with their biggest project yet: Where Angels Camp! Continued in comments…

Cycle 20. I wasn’t sure how my doctor would respond today when I told her I was training for the Boston Marathon, but she was thrilled for me and said she even wanted to come cheer me on! It makes all the difference in the world to have a health care team that supports and encourages you. Keytruda is hard on the joints and she agrees that this is part of the knee pain I’ve been experiencing, but she wants to help me through this and is sending me to physical therapy so i can keep working towards that finish line. Today began with training and is ending with infusion, and that’s what the integrative approach can look like. I’m happy to say I hit 4 miles again today and will bump my mileage up this weekend. Every day I’m turning my trials into triumphs as best I can. You can thrive through a diagnosis. You can find purpose in your grief. You can gain strength through your losses. There is always a choice. Today I’m choosing that finish line, and I’m taking Wesley with me. 💛🎗️

The dust is beginning to settle in this new life. I would have never believed this is what my world would look like at 40, and yet there is always beauty if you choose to look for it. New goals, new dreams, and what can only be described as a second chance at life. Despite all the trauma, it’s a gift to have survived everything I have.

I have survived so much more than cancer.

Some things I haven’t been able to share yet. Some things I don’t intend to. And in a lot of ways what matters most is to be here and now and looking forward.

Currently addressing an IT band issue so I can continue my training for the marathon in April. I’ve got new shoes, new exercises, new ice packs, new strategies, and new knowledge. This too shall pass.

Onward. #bostonmarathon #bostonmarathon2025 #teamroche #integrativehealth #stage4thriver #stage4cancer #childhoodcancerawareness #integrativeoncology

I lost track of the times I’ve had to “start over.” There have been many Day 1s over the past 2.5 years. But one thing I’ve learned is that the change I am seeking, the healing I am pursuing, and the life I am dreaming of are all developing right here and now. I’m done assuming that the person I want to be is just an idea in my head. I affirm that I am already in alignment with that version of myself. She’s already here. Whatever it is you are dreaming of, live life like it’s already yours. Fill your heart with gratitude for it. If you falter, it’s just Gods way of asking you how much you truly want it. Get back up and say yes. Choose a million day ones over one days, and celebrate the beautiful mess that is a life worth living. 💛🎗️ 6 miles down today. 🙌

In 2024, running was a part of my healing protocol. While it is a scientifically backed anti cancer modality, it has become so much more to me.

Running has given me the following gifts:

➡️ Clear mind
➡️ flow state 🙌
➡️ stronger intuition
➡️ inspiration, big ideas, creativity
➡️ time in nature, fresh air, sunshine
➡️ a sense of spiritual connection
➡️ a sense of connection to Wes 💛

When I was running memory miles for the playground, I had an image in my mind of crossing a finish line. At the time I tried to plan running a half marathon twice. Neither attempt worked out. I figured that image of crossing a finish line was a symbolic motivator for me to keep going, but I admit I had hoped it to be more literal.

The last 2 months have taken so much of my life force energy (that’s for another post). I’d been depleted of my inspiration, motivation, and “spark.” I’ve been giving myself as much grace as possible, but the truth is I missed that spark. It keeps me fighting for this life. And I’m a fighter.

I asked God to help me. I kept looking at my hand without seeing any cards to play. What is the next move? Where do I even start?

If you are patient and can get quiet, there is always an answer. I could have never in a million years guessed what mine would be. There are Angels in my life continuously helping me along. I know nothing I do is in isolation.

Continued in comments...

Hello IG fam. It’s been a while. A lot has happened. A lot I intend to share, some not so much. I’m reconnecting from a totally new place both physically and mentally. For weeks upon weeks I was a fish out of water, and I’m reconnecting now as I try to find my bearings in a totally new sea.

Sea change.

That is what these past few months have been.

I really do have so much to tell you. So much to share, so many good and exciting things. But for now it’s enough to say I’m here. I’m ok (thank you to everyone who has checked in on me!). I am back, and look forward to creating more.

I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off 2025 than with one of my favorite modalities. The cold water has seen me through so very much. It brings me sharply into the moment, that ever present here and now that is both new and ancient. It reminds me in a way so uniquely its own that I AM ALIVE.

By the grace of God I am alive. And so are you. And this ride is a wild one, isn’t it? So let’s make 2025 amazing.

We hear a lot about resolutions. I’m interested in celebrations.
How are you celebrating this one precious life this year?

As for me, well... I’ve got the coolest news ever to share next time. It deserves its own post. Keep an eye out for it!

I’m happy to be back :-)

Happy New Year!

One of the most heavenly rainbows I’ve ever seen, topped off with a W directly crossing its path. Sometimes he feels closer than I can even imagine. 💛💛💛🌈

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What are memory miles? Why am I running 292 of them?

I can hardly believe it’s been a whole year since I began my THIRD battle with cancer. Quick recap, this time last year I had gone all the way back to the beginning. Diagnosed in July 2022, recovered by November, relapsed in February (this one nearly killed me), recovered again by June (the same month we lost Wes), only to discover yet again that my disease was persisting.

How would I make this next round different? What was the secret sauce I was missing?

Around that time I had discovered some really fascinating information on grit, tenacity, and survival. When we do things out of our comfort zone, when we break barriers and stretch our limitations, we actually send very strong signals to our brain and body about our will to live. We affirm in powerful ways that say YES I want this life with all of its struggle. I accept it exactly for what it is. I will not run from struggle to seek comfort (which can turn to lethargy or indifferent complacency). I found that there is for sure a secret sauce in keeping the energy moving. In the body. In the mind. In the spirit. Whenever anything sits for too long, it becomes like a stagnant puddle. Health is akin to a flowing river. And grit is one of the characteristics that keeps that river flowing.

Continued in comments.

The truth was finally delivered in an ER room at Doylestown Hospital.

“I’m sorry, it appears that your son has a large mass in his abdomen.”

I blurted out that it was impossible. I had cancer too.

“Why is this happening to us?” I asked out loud to no one. I heard sniffling and noticed one of the nurses had begun to cry. I noticed the expressions on the faces of the medical staff, a mix of sadness, compassion, and if I’m being honest, horror.

No one knew why this was happening to us.

Wesley, I am still unraveling that now. All the whys and hows began as a giant ball of knots. It was as big as me. There was a time I thought I would never pick it apart. And yet, it has gotten so much smaller since then.

And that is your legacy. You show beauty in struggle, truth in dark places. You bring out the light in people and mirror back into the world all the goodness of love, generosity, connection, and kindness. You take those big questions of why and how and respond, “Because God is even here.” I have seen it. I have had the blessing of bearing witness to a miracle. God is even here.

I hold a much smaller ball of knots in my hands now. They are so much tighter as they get closer to the core. They don’t budge as easily and I can’t even get a pinky into them to loosen them. But that’s not you, it’s me. That is the heart of a mother. There will always be a part of me that wonders what if. A part of me that still grapples with why. A part of me that will always miss you here on Earth no matter how unbreakable my conviction is that you live on in Heaven. A part of me that will never ever ever stop fighting for you.

Continued in comments

Intrinsic motivators will always outweigh extrinsic ones. While pressure and external rewards may push you for a little while, internal reasons are the ones that keep us truly committed. 💪 As you heal, remember why you started. What are you seeking in the healed version of yourself? Passion, connection, growth, expression, or freedom? Stay connected to your core motivators, and you will find the strength to keep going, even when the journey gets tough you got this. Keep thriving! #teamroche #integrativehealth #stage4thriver #stage4cancer

IN ORDER TO GET IT, YOU HAVE TO WANT IT.

And I don’t mean a wishy washy, drag your feet, sit on a fence kind of wanting. I mean real, true, deep yearning for change.

The data agrees.

According to Self-Determination Theory, true motivation comes from within and is fueled by three key needs:

Autonomy: The freedom to make your own choices and set your own goals. 🧭
Competence: Mastery and growth—feeling capable and effective in what you do. 💪
Relatedness: Connecting with others, building relationships, and feeling a sense of belonging. 🤝

When these needs are met, you’re not just motivated—you’re unstoppable! 🚀 Intrinsic motivation isn’t about external rewards; it’s about aligning with what truly matters to you.

👉 Ready to tap into your inner drive? Start by asking: What lights you up? What makes you feel empowered? Let’s embrace motivation that comes from within!

Tell me, what is one change that you TRULY want to make in your life right now? Let's get that intrinsic motivation talking out loud.

It’s hard to believe we are fast approaching the 2nd September since Wesley’s diagnosis. Time is distorted for me now. For the first year after, every single moment seemed like a milestone, and an opportunity to reflect on “this time last year.” Now the chasm is getting wider, and yet in so many ways, I can close my eyes and I’m right back there again. There are memories that will never fade. There is a part of me that is still wandering the halls of CHOP. It’s like I never left.

September is childhood cancer awareness month. The color is yellow/gold. Keep these children and families in your minds and hearts next month. Not all our scars are visible, but they are deep. #teamroche #childhoodcancerawareness

Cycle 15. ✌️#teamroche #integrativehealth #stage4thriver #stage4cancer

We are coming into the best weather of the year, which means it’s time to bring back daily dips! #coldplunge #wimhofmethod

Never let anyone tell you that your choices don't matter, or that you are powerless in your healing journey. When nearly 40% of cancer cases and 50% of cancer deaths are attributable to modifiable risk factors, it's hard to deny that personal responsibility plays a key role.

The truth is, nearly every choice you make is moving you closer or further away from optimum health. How you nourish your body, mind, and spirit are seeds sown today for a harvest enjoyed tomorrow.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by needing to get it all "right" today, I wonder what it would feel like to make just ONE choice today that supports your health.

Chronic disease is overwhelming. Vibrant health is light, free, and easy.

Repeat that with me and let it sink into your mind today: Vibrant health is LIGHT, FREE, and EASY.

Tell me ONE thing you will do today to support your health. I'll share mine in the comments.

Keep thriving!
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#holistichealth #integrativehealth #stage4thriver #cancerwarrior #healingcancer #teamroche

The sunset from the newly updated play house did not disappoint tonight. I’ve been working on this little space for Lucy for nearly a week. The dirty, brown, unused space has been transformed to a whimsical fairy house that I would have loved as a kid. I hope Lucy will love it, too. The healing journey works on so many levels, and this project was directly one for my inner child, the innocent part of me who never could have imagined the devastation of cancer. I feel so at peace in this little space, and is it any surprise that right now the sun sets squarely through its windows? I have to laugh at myself, though. I turned 40 a month ago and here I am hanging out on my roof and in my kids’ playhouse, watching the sun rise and set. Not exactly a shining beacon of maturity, but I just need to remind myself it isn’t without purpose, and all these things are actually healthy. Maybe if we all stopped to watch the sun rise and set the world would be a different place. Maybe giving ourselves permission to let our lights shine and heal out loud is what would birth a true revolution. Maybe it doesn’t even matter what would lead the external world to that point, but only within myself. I do know that letting my creativity flow helps. Getting outside in nature helps. Finishing projects feels good. Life is too short. Paint the play house. Sit on the roof. Watch the sun rise. Shine bright and heal out loud. Keep thriving.

In my latest health pursuit shenanigans, Ive landed on a new practice of SUNGAZING, which is exposing my eyes to sunlight at sunrise and sunset. One of the several health benefits of this practice, and the one I am personally pursuing, is resetting the circadian rhythm. I have always been a night person, and have never been able to shift this trait despite trying many times. For a while I accepted my nocturnal tendencies, but they have often had a side effect of insomnia, restlessness, and fatigue throughout the day. I am currently working towards an ambitious running goal of 292 miles by the end of September, so it’s also critical for me to be able to run in the mornings as the rest of the day, including all the way up until 10 pm, is TOO HOT. 🥵 So now it’s time to take another swing at being a morning person. Here are some highlights from my first few days. #sungazing #sungazinglife #teamroche #integrativehealth #integrativeoncology

Creating the cold plunge space has been a fun project for me, it’s come so far! I’m a sucker for DIY and anything chalk painted, so combing all that with my cold plunge routine has been a real treat. This is feeling very “me” these days. 😊

What a great week for Wesley’s Playground! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! We have 37 miles pledged already, which is great. I have some catching up to do! I will be celebrating my 40th birthday this weekend, which will make getting my miles in a challenge, but I’ll try to sneak them in! Thank you all for your support 💛 🎗🎗🎗

Scientific data shows that exercise is not just good for overall health, it actually fights cancer! Get your heart rate up to the cardio zone (moderate exercise) for 20 minutes a day or 150 minutes a week to meet professional recommendations.

When you exercise, tell yourself you are taking medicine, and believe it, because it is true!
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#holistichealth #integrativehealth #stage4thriver #cancerwarrior #healingcancer #teamroche

Supplement Spotlight: Berberine!

One of Berberine's most well-known effects is its positive impact on blood sugar levels. It activates a key enzyme called AMPK, which is critical to metabolism. Berberine has been shown to decrease insulin resistance and help the body break down sugar.

See the whole video here: https://youtu.be/iMlrqHGkAKk?si=iyYDw7BY-llwlEt3

I am so proud and honored to call these two incredible women friends. They dreamed big for us when we couldn’t. They moved mountains and brought together a whole community. They are the biggest cheerleaders for #teamroche and they love Wes both earth and heaven side as if he was one of their own. They have taught me so much of what it means to support others selflessly and what is possible when we lift each other up. What a beautiful moment it was to see Diane Varisco Dowler and Christie Berthelsen Capriotti win the Humanitarian Person of the Year Award last night at the NAC Have a Heart Gala - Kentucky Derby! So well deserved! I love you ladies!

📣📣📣HUGE UPDATE:📣📣📣 I realized I needed to add this one to Instagram! I’m sure so many of you have already seen it over on Facebook. I had a PET scan today and didn’t mention it on here because I was stewing in anxiety about it. I couldn’t believe it when the results dropped in my email less than 2 hours later. It was almost too fast, I wasn’t ready, and it nearly gave me a heart attack.

But guess what...

March 21 is a new anniversary for me, because it is the day that, after 2 long years of praying and dreaming and struggling and WORKING SO HARD, I FINALLY DID IT.

I AM NED! <— NO. EVIDENCE. OF. DISEASE!!!! CANCER FREE.

😭😭😭

The range of emotions I’m feeling right now is off the charts, but GRATITUDE is what is reigning supreme. It’s like kissing the ground after being lost at sea for years. I made it home.

What a journey. What a life. What an absolute spectrum of highs and lows I’ve felt. WHAT A GIFT IT IS TO BE ALIVE.

Thank you to every single person who has prayed for me and my family. Thank you for your love, your support, your encouragement.

Is it over? No. My life will never ever be the same. I will fight for my seat at the table of Earth for the rest of my days here. But I know exactly what it means to be in that fight and win it. You have to want it, more than anything. Even when you’re walking through the darkest valleys you can imagine, when you hear the question, “Do you want to heal, still, even now?” You say YES. I SAY YES TO LIFE AND ALL OF IT’S UPS AND DOWNS.

I will never stop fighting. Thank you, Jesus. Glory be to you, God, for your mercy and for leading me through this desert. Let me now turn around and reach back out to anyone else about to walk this same road. Let me be the one to tell them that YES there is a way. YES you can do this. YES you can heal.

I am a Stage 4 Cancer survivor. At diagnosis I had a 17% chance of fighting my way back to health.

They didn’t know that 17 is my lucky number. I fought with everything I have. Hallelujah! Time for a cold plunge! This one is for you, Wes!

“I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” - Isaiah 43:19 #teamroche forever!

So today went great. I made it to the gym, felt good all day, got some sun and fresh air. My bloodwork revealed that I’m doing just fine, no red flags. My dr agreed I definitely had a reaction to keytruda. We decided together that I could skip this infusion. It is the first time since September that nothing will be injected into me in more than 3 weeks. It’s like they let me out for a vacation!

I’m feeling better and better and will resume my supplements, Wim hoff, and running this weekend. I’m up to 5 miles now, and don’t want to lose steam as I train for a half marathon this May.

There was a moment today when I had one of my finer moments with the medical staff. When I was describing my symptoms, the nurse kept asking to clarify, “you said this lasted only 3 days? And you didn’t use immodium? But… what did you do?”

I fasted on water, herbal tea, and magic mineral broth. I added red light therapy and allowed total bedrest. I added aloe juice and that was it. I think fasting scares a lot of people, but it really is so healing, especially for gut issues. Sometimes the GI system just wants to rest. And that’s how it heals quickly.

I have experimented and learned so much in the last 2 years. I’m still in school and working towards certification as a health coach, but sometimes I wish I could just start NOW. I feel so ready. I have all this information that wants to find the people who need it. What Wes and I have gone through will not be in vain. I can promise you that.

Let me at it!

I have been dealing with keytruda (immunotherapy) induced gut issues for a few weeks, but they reached a fever pitch over the last 48 hours in what appears to be a flare up of colitis. I have been in a lot of pain and haven’t been able to eat anything. Whenever I’m facing serious struggles with digestion and fasting makes the most sense to heal, I know I can make my favorite tonic: magic mineral broth. It is basically an everything but the kitchen sink sort of veggie broth, but it includes kombu (seaweed), spices, and herbs like parsley. It is PACKED with nutrients and is so easy on the stomach. It feels medicinal and nourishing when you drink it, and truly helps the healing process. I’m keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that a day or 2 of the magic broth will turn things around. If not, I know the next step for me will be high doses of steroids. Let’s see if we can avoid that! #stageivcancer #stageivthriver #keytruda #cervicalcancer #teamroche

A year ago today I was sitting in the hospital waiting to go home. I had just learned the news that I had relapsed. I was given a blood transfusion to stabilize my condition, but I was in a lot of trouble. It would take a lot more to get things under control. A year ago today I was taken all the way back to square one.

If you’ve ever climbed a mountain just to get knocked all the way back to the ground, I see you. If you’ve ever felt like you were at the bottom of a pit, I see you. You can get knocked down again and again, but no one and nothing can take away your spirit without your permission.

I had a psalm written in my heart at that time, though I wouldn’t even learn it until months later. It has stayed with me ever since, a constant prayer and reminder:

He heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise. -Psalm 40

I was at the bottom of that pit and I made a decision. I decided I would not look in any direction but up. My goal was to get out of the pit and I would not consider any other outcome, there was only one.

I was in a pit of destruction. I had two choices: Be swallowed whole by the sorrow and suffering all around me, or walk in faith, put my hands onto that rocky wall and start climbing.

To anyone in the pit, no matter how hopeless it feels, even if you fall... you always have the choice to climb.

Keep climbing. 💛 #teamroche

This is the last photo of our family before we discovered we were about to face not 1, but 2 relapses with advanced cancer.

Breathwork on the balcony of a cruise ship cabin. You can take healing anywhere you go. Breath, prayer, gratitude, meditation. They cost nothing, they take up no space, and yet they move mountains. How else can you heal “on the go”? #healcancerdaily #healcancerholistically #integrativemedicine #wimhofmethod #breathwork #stage4thriver

Never underestimate the power of looking at resistance square in the face without blinking. Resistance is not an enemy to flee from, but a teacher to learn from. Everyone has resistance. Tension, friction, and the desire to be comfortable are basic human experiences. But we are half physical, and half spiritual beings. Our spirit yearns to strengthen our weaknesses and overcome our challenges. And science is validating just how powerful this process is. In a recent episode of his podcast, Andrew Huberman discusses the anterior midcingulate cortex, a part of the brain that grows when we move through resistance and difficulties. Check out the full episode linked in comments below. Sit with your resistance, become friends with it. Watch what happens to your life when you ask it to dance. 💃 #teamroche #wimhof #wimhofmethod #healingcanceronedayatatime #integrativemedicine #cervicalcancer #cervicalcancersurvivor #coldexposuretherapy

Thank you to everyone who followed my health journey in 2023! I hope you will continue to follow in 2024 because we aren’t done yet! I truly believe the Wim hof method has been a key player in my recovery and plan to keep it going for as long as I can. Cancer no more in 24! Let’s do this. Happy New Year! #coldplungetherapy #coldexposure #coldplunge #wimhof #wimhofmethod #cancersurvivor

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