Photo by Kevin Nash.
As a breast cancer survivor, Sue Weldon understands the struggles and challenges patients face. In search of other ways to manage the side effects of her treatments, she discovered the healing power of complementary therapies.
Sue founded the nonprofit Unite for HER in 2009. Its mission is to bridge the gap between the medical and wellness communities. Nina’s story is just one of hundreds that illustrate the impact of Sue’s vision on the breast cancer community:
I was diagnosed in 2013 with stage 2 breast cancer. After my surgery, I received an invitation from my nurse coordinator to attend a Unite for HER wellness day. I joined women who were going through the same journey I was. There were joyful tears, and I felt for the first time in days and weeks that I would be OK. Unite for HER rekindled my hope and determination to fight.
During chemotherapy, the therapies reduced the side effects of my treatments. Acupuncture helped me with my nausea, fatigue, hot flashes, insomnia and balance. Massages helped me relax, and yoga strengthened my physical and emotional wellness and created peace through meditation. With all the help and education I received, today I feel strong, healthy and full of hope.
—Julie Hillhouse, communications director, Unite for HER