- Natalie C., Three-time Cancer Survivor

Yoga Bear is a great organization, and since I'm still on disability and living on a tight budget, I wouldn't have been able to do this [take yoga classes] on my own.
- Kelly Keeling, Colon Cancer Survivor, Texas

"I want to thank you for giving me this experience as it has been very instrumental in my recovery and self integration. The teachers have been very supportive and instructional to my particular situation, the closeness has allowed me to actually get to the classes and I have learned many new poses."
-Mary Isham, Cancer Survivor, San Francisco

"The best part of Yoga Bear is the feeling of support and generosity. It was like receiving a present after all the awfulness of the cancer therapy. I am very aware that others have suffered and are suffering far worse than I did and it would be wonderful if every one of them could be given the gift of yoga."
- Janet Boileau, Breast Cancer Survivor, Washington, D.C.

"I am delighted to be a recipient of your service at Yoga Bear! I thank all of you for donating your time and energy to help cancer patients and survivors. I believe that yoga can benefit a cancer pa- tient and survivor in many ways. Community building, physical as well as emotional support, and nurturing are essential to the healing process from cancer."
-Miyoko Nida, Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor, San Francisco

"I am learning so much about my body, and I am noticing that I don't ache as much in my spine as I used to. I am dealing with some issues where the radiation was to my chest, but the stretching is helping to keep me mobile...it is all good. Maria (my instructor) is a very caring and careful instructor and very passionate about what she is doing, which is contagious. There is a need for survivorship support, and what better way than taking care of your body? Thanks for offering such a vital service."
- Kelly Kleist, Breast Cancer Survivor, Redwood City

"Attending classes every Saturday morning gave me a ritual. I began to reconnect and trust my body again. And through [the instructor's] creative use of spiritual texts, poetry, and music, I started to find peace, awareness, strength, and courage. Envisioning the ferocious and fearless Hindu Goddess Kali, I felt I could face this new phase of my life. And I would not have been able to find this deep healing without the help of YogaBear. I am SO grateful."
- Meghan Kearney, Breast Cancer Survivor, San Francisco

Medical Testimonials

“I wholeheartedly recommend yoga for people undergoing cancer treatment. Yoga not only conditions your body in numerous ways, but it grants you emotional balance and soothes your nervous system following the rigors of medical intervention. Visiting the Yoga Bear community can provide you with the resources and friendly exchanges necessary to survive and thrive."
-Dr. Meg Jordan, PhD, RN, Global Medicine Hunter, Health Radio Network

“Yoga is a powerful tool for the therapeutic treatment of the various non-communicable diseases that are prevalent in this country today. Although there are vast improvements to be made in providing equitable resources for the detection and treatment of cancer, with the increasing percentage of cancer survivors in the U.S., it is essential for survivors to continue providing themselves with physical and emotional treatment. As a cancer survivor, I came to understand the secondary affects of cancer treatment through my personal struggle with early stage arthritis and the diminished capacity to engage in intense physical activities at the age of 24. As someone who has always been active, I sought alternative means of exercise and found yoga to be the solution. Yoga provided me the balance between physical and emotional treatment. I was able to build physical strength and flexibility while engaging in meditative exercise. I whole heartedly recommend Yoga Bear as a therapeutic means of treatment for both the cancer survivor and for those currently fighting cancer.”"

-Nichole McCalvin, MPH