Joy's Story:
Four years after surviving a catastrophic accident that almost took my life, years of surgery and therapy, a life filled with pain and fear but with a glimpse of hope, I faced yet a new challenge. I hesitantly enrolled in yoga teacher training with my holistic cheerleader-twin sister, Judy. I was a pedestrian who had been hit, dragged and pinned by a runaway car, enduring burns, broken bones, traumatic brain injury and internal organ damage, yoga seemed impossible. But together we became teachers and developed a wellness and yoga program for the World Burn Conference, which continues to grow each year. We were featured in a PBS special “Exercise After Burn Injury” in partnership with Harvard to educated trauma survivors globally. Yoga has taught me how to move and breath and leave my trauma behind. It isn’t important how much we can do or how perfect our Warrior pose is. It’s about bringing the mind and body together and being whole again.
Judy's Story:
Seven years ago my twin sister was in a tragic accident. I spent endless nights terrified of the unknown and the unspeakable fear of losing her. I paced the hospital floors looking for a place to just take a breath,... to calm my mind, body and soul. Through the years of her long recovery, as a multi-trauma and burn survivor, I had hoped for a special space for yoga for both patients, caregivers, and loved ones consumed in fear. This healing place could relieve anxiety, create a community and bring the benefit of yoga to all.
The Research:
Studies have shown that practicing yoga can help reduce pain, calm nerves, improve flexibility and help heal for both the patient and the caregiver regardless of the injury and illness.
Dr. Schnieder, Burn Trauma Program Director for Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital says "Many of my patients tell me that yoga has helped advance their recovery. I am grateful that we are able to offer a regular yoga class here at Spaulding to help many people in the future, each with their own recovery."
The Need to be Filled:
Even though the benefits of yoga are clear, these programs however are not covered by insurance. It's no secret that yoga increases muscular flexibility and strength, but you may not know that yoga is a proven treatment for back pain, knee pain, circulation, PTSD, and other chronic pain conditions. Yoga also helps to ease the stress, anxiety, and depression that can create and reinforce pain. This practice will make you feel more comfortable in both your mind and your body. We need your help to improve the quality of life for the patients and their caregivers through yoga and exercise.
Your generous donation will help us bring yoga to the patient, loved ones, and care takers. Making the impossible possible.
Join Us for a Class:
Both hybrid and virtual yoga and meditation classes are offered weekly. Our fundraising efforts help to sponsor the yoga program at Spaulding’s Adaptive Sports Centers. Let's find peace and balance together.
