Mala and Mantra X Wellness for Cancer Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This year Breast Cancer Awareness month holds significantly more meaning and importance to me as my mother is fighting a recurrence of her breast cancer from 2009.
For years I have been a fan and supporter of Julie Bach, founder of Wellness for Cancer (WFC) a 501 3(c) charity created to facilitate self care and better lifestyle choices for individuals who have been touched by cancer. In 2016 I designed a special Crafted for a Cause 'Be Well' Collection to support WFC and bring awareness to Julie's great mission to help teach professionals in the wellness and spa industry how to heal those touched by cancer.
This year I am focused on spreading the word of how important regular mammogram screening is not just for all women but especially for previous breast cancer patients and survivors. I discovered my mother's recurrence of her breast cancer from 2009 almost 6 months ago and immediately contacted her physician to have her screened. She was unaware of it herself or was scared to say anything in fear of knowing what it was. I have personally had two of my own scares with irregular lumps which had to be biopsied so I know that feeling in your stomach you get when you want to know but also don't want to know the test results.
Since I have been going through the entire curative process which my mother elected for I have learned so much about breast cancer and what patients like my mom go through during the treatment process. One of the most important things I have learned is the importance of compassion for the patient. I have experienced an incredible culture of compassion at UCSD Moores Cancer Center where my mother is receiving her treatment. Every single person I interact with has somehow expressed compassion, kindness, courtesy, patience, and understanding above and beyond anything I have ever experienced in the health care industry. I am so grateful for all of the incredibly talented members of my mom's care team.
The other thing I have discovered is how important the sense of touch is for the person going through cancer treatment. I wanted to help my mom get a much needed massage and reached out to Julie to help me locate a licensed and certified oncology therapist in her area. Julie not only helped me find an amazing massage therapist but also educated me in what type of certification to look for in my search. I am happy to say with Julie's guidance my mother has received healing oncology massage which even her Oncologist confirmed was a great idea.
This is why I decided to design a new Crafted for a Cause Capsule Collection to benefit Wellness for Cancer this year. My hope is by donating 10% of every piece of our Wellness for Cancer (WFC) Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) bracelets we will be able to support WFC's efforts to train spa and wellness industry professionals to provide healing touch treatments to those living with cancer.
As with all Mala + Mantra products, the bracelet imparts messages of mindfulness and wellness: “be brave. be strong. be restored." I also intentionally wrote the mantra to inspire cancer patients to fight and never give up hope. This collection will be launching exclusively on our website soon so please stay tuned for it on our social media channels and emails.
Having several cancer survivors in my immediate family and circle of friends , I have been personally affected by this devastating disease. Each purchase of the Mala + Mantra X Wellness for Cancer BCA bracelets helps cancer patients and survivors receive well BE-ing treatments. We encourage support of becoming cancer aware by sharing your photos of this bracelet and using the hashtag #bebravebestrongberestored
Wellness for Cancer is a non-profit 501 (3) charity founded by Julie Bach, who is both passionate and compassionate when it comes to helping people with cancer. The foundation of the program is a cancer-focused collaboration with doctors and specialists in the field, to develop a comprehensive online training and hands-on program for spa and alternative medicine professionals. The network of 10 educators in 10 countries provides evidence-based training for therapists, using proven techniques from medical centers.
“I am honored that we are launching the Mala and Mantra X Wellness for Cancer BCA mala bracelets as Meditation and Mindfulness are evidence-based approaches approved by many hospitals and cancer centers to help individuals address: Depression, Anxiety, Stress Reduction, Concentration and Quality of life issues associated with cancer,” says Bach.
Wellness for Cancer embodies compassion and wisdom to provide well-being solutions that help individuals recognize that they are more than their physical body and they are more than their cancer diagnosis. They are human beings. Malas and mantras are tools used for thousands of years to help cultivate self-compassion, forgiveness and wellbeing at the individual level.”
The pursuit of mindfulness and wellness are fundamental to Mala and Mantra’s core values. All Mala + Mantra all malas come with a written mantra based on the holistic properties and energies of each gemstone, material and Chakra. The mantras are a suggestion for meditation, if one should choose to use the beads in practice.
“We started this business in an effort to create a meaningful brand whose products would resonate with conscious consumers and, through our products, help to spread the powerful message of mindfulness,” said Compton. We source the highest quality raw materials and consciously produce with fair trade cooperative of women artisans in the Philippines. This includes paying fair wages and providing a safe, supportive working environment.” - JPC
About Mala + Mantra
Mala + Mantra is a wellness lifestyle brand that consciously create high-quality, fashionable jewelry and accessories. Sourcing semi-precious gemstones and sustainably sourced Filipino woods, Mala + Mantra products are hand-crafted by our fair trade women’s cooperative in the Philippines. Mala + Mantra is featured in luxury resorts worldwide, including Enchantment Resorts, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Montage, One + Only, Rosewood, St. Regis, The Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria.
About Wellness for Cancer
Wellness for Cancer is a not-for-profit charity created to facilitate self care and better lifestyle choices for individuals who have been touched by cancer. The charity trains leading spas and wellness centers to provide personalized wellness services for individuals touched by cancer. WFC has a presence in 54 countries with partners including Six Senses Hotels and Resorts, COMO, Four Seasons, Accor, Biologique Recherche and Comfort Zone.
Help us spread the word about regular mammogram screening by encouraging your friends and family to get screened.
