Renew Yoga – Modified Yoga for Cancer and Chronic Illness
What is Renew Yoga? Renew Yoga is a yoga program turned non-profit that I created for those who have cancer, are undergoing cancer treatment or have had cancer in the past as well as a program for those with a chronic illness, myself included.
If you read about me, you know that almost nine years ago, it was discovered accidentally, but thankfully, that I was about to die. I do not say those words lightly and I know how much weight those words carry. But that was the situation. I was born with a rare congenital abnormality called Basilar Invagination. Say that fast three times! Basically, since I was born with Rheumatoid Arthritis, my 2nd vertebra was malformed and due to the arthritis getting worse over the years, it caused that vertebra to push and compress into my brainstem. Since being diagnosed with RA at age 19, I had just grown accustomed to living with and trying to work through painful bones and joints. As I grew older and became more educated on living a healthier lifestyle and exercising, I was able to somewhat deal with the pain and get through each day.
But about the time I was turning 40, the pain in my low back had gotten worse and my hands and feet were hurting more too and I seemed to be losing strength in my hands (I had also been diagnosed earlier on with Raynaud’s Syndrome). So, my dad convinced me to go see a Rheumatologist, much to my protest. Thankfully I went anyway and that’s how it was discovered about my serious situation.
At that time, I was (and still am) a fitness instructor and yoga teacher and I was training for a half marathon. So to go from all of that activity, to learning about a life threatening disorder to having surgery and being basically immobile all within a 3 week period really knocked me back. And I mean WAY BACK! I was depressed, in pain, having to wear a C-Collar and not doing more than just lying in a hospital bed for 8 weeks. Then, I was also having to learn to live with limited mobility in my neck since I was now fused with titanium rods from C1-C4. Currently, I can only shake my head “yes” and “no”. I can look up slightly, but cannot look down. The questions kept running through my mind… can I ever really work out again the way I used to? Will I be able to not only practice yoga, but teach it as well?
I knew from what the neurosurgeon had said that I had been living on borrowed time and that God had a further purpose for me. What was that purpose? I had no idea. Then, one day, it hit me. If I am lying in the hospital bed recovering from a life changing surgery, a sudden diagnosis of a very major and debilitating disorder and living with just day to day chronic pain, there must be other people out there too! There must be other people out there struggling to find a way to live their “new” life whether it be from a cancer diagnosis or chronic illness or even an accident that left their body forever changed. And what did I discover? Yes, there are people out there with all of the above and more.
I started back teaching my cardio spin class and yoga about 5 months after my surgery. But I had been given clearance by the doctor to start back with my walking at about 3 months post- op. So, 6 months after my cervical fusion, I walked my third half marathon! It took me longer, I couldn’t run and I could tell my body in space was different than before, but I did it!!! That was so encouraging.
Three years after my surgery and lots thought and planning and of course, modifications, I ran a pilot “modified” class at a yoga studio. It was a free 6 week program. We met once a week for an hour session. I had two participants. They told me how much they enjoyed the class and how they feel like it helped them. I was so happy because I knew yoga could help heal any emotional as well as some of the physical stressors that disease and sickness can cause, even new issues caused by chemotherapy.
After that 6 week program I knew I had to do more. So I started a nonprofit so I could provide yoga free of charge to every participant that qualified. Fortunately the gym where I teach my mainstream power yoga classes allows Renew Yoga to meet free of charge. The gym does not profit from this class nor do I. Now that’s an awesome gym! Shout out to Club Fitness in Carrollton, Georgia! They truly love their community and continue to give back.
A few more words about the actual class itself: Since the class is different, I can modify what each participant needs at any given time, day or week as that changes often. Some weeks the participants may feel like doing yoga in a chair because maybe their back is hurting too bad to get on the floor. Some weeks, they all may be in the floor. I love that the poses themselves can be modified too. Who says that you have to twist into a pretzel with your legs over your head to be practicing yoga?? Not me. We use props such as bolsters, blankets, straps and blocks. I even have ways for my participants to get on their backs even if they cannot get in the floor. We work on balance, flexibility, strength and sometimes even just relaxation. The entire class depends on how each person is feeling and what they need that day. The yoga class is accessible for basically anyone. I do require a physician’s release for each participant.
I just want the world to know, you can do anything you set out to do. You can achieve things that others may say that you cannot. You are your own best advocate and cheerleader.
When I was trying to come up with a name for my yoga and nonprofit, my husband said “How about Renew Yoga? You have been renewed after surgery and now you have a new life.” I love it. Here are a few pictures.
