You Can Thrive! Foundation

I found You Can Thrive while in search of wholistic healing modalities for those grappling with cancer and am grateful for and overwhelmed by the incredible resources and knowledge base of this mighty organization. The organization connects its members with a range of really skilled and talented practitioners in the world of healing, from EFT tapping, sound baths, and breathing to Reiki and nutrition. I cannot recommend You Can Thrive highly enough.

I am a Breast Cancer Survivor twice, in currently in remission. Since finding out about the organization You Can Thrive and actively participating in the services, I have found such peace, love, and forgiveness from within. I participate in the Reiki Meditation sessions which helps me to release all stress, frustration, and anxiety when dealing with the after effects of chemo and other health issues. I would truly recommend all Cancer Patients in treatment or Remission participate and engage with the services being offered at "You Can Thrive," especially the Reiki Medication. I believe it will help bring about a pleasant, peaceful change in your life and give you the motivation, courage, and confidence to push forward to overcome obstacles in every area of your life.

Thank you You Can Thrive for supporting and inspiring my friend through her treatment process. It gave her new energy and a new outlook on how to take care of herself.

You Can Thrive was an absolute gift from the heavens. During the hardest time of my life, I was able to access loving, caring and skilled holistic practitioners who were a crucial part of my healing process. This organization is the lighthouse in a dark storm, calling ships home for safety and care. They are pure gold and known they are out there gives me great comfort.

Thank you for giving me hope, as a stage 4 breast cancer survivor, thank you to all of you that make it happen. I went from despair to hope

You Can Thrive has supported me since my 2019 diagnosis and responded with kindness, support, valuable information and resources during a recent recurrence. The YCT support network has connected me with resources that have enabled me to make informed choices throughout my healing journey. A few of my favorite services include the sound therapy on Twilight Tuesday, tapping, QiQong and the BC awareness programming. Sending a huge thanks and big hugs to YCT for providing these holistic therapies, hosting events that encourage healing and providing wellness with knowledgeable practitioners.

You Can Thrive has immeasurably helped me to get closer in touch with my own actions emotions and to build on my self-care practices. I was diagnosed stage IV and BRCA 2 five years ago and began trying out a number of methods for gaining strength, healing, honoring myself and others more fully, managing treatments and my new life with cancer, and driving out fear. You Can Thrive understands. You Can Thrive helps. You Can Thrive affirms. Even in so-called support groups some healing methods are applauded while others are ridiculed. The war on cancer can seem more like a war between cancer factions that pull us to shreds. You Can Thrive helps heal the wounds we suffer there, give us the strength to put ourselves back together, remind us that we matter, and make us whole.

Hello My name is Kali Martinez. I am over and beyond thankful with You can thrive!! They have been beyond amazing in the companion and support that they gave me through my whole process. I am now in remission. and finding new ways how to connect with myself and my body and applying a lot of the knowledge and guidance, I receive in my process to recovery I am so grateful by all the amazing people who I got to speak with, and receive so much knowledge, compassion and love, I will always be grateful to have had their support in my breast cancer journey. One thing I did see throughout the whole process and feel was a very close guidance and follow up ,and once again thank you ������

Beyond grateful for this beautiful organization. Luana is a blessing and has helped my family and I in more ways than I can count.

God bless this nonprofit for their great support and service to those in need going through a difficult time in their life. Thank you for their help and encouragement, and for being the light the storm. Thank you.

I started volunteering at this beautiful, life-nourishing organization in 2018 as a Reiki practitioner and eventually joined the board of directors. I deeply admire the community of people who dedicate their talents to make this organization run. I can also personally attest that YCT is an extremely financially responsible organization and excellent steward of donor resources. It’s an honor to be part of such a great non-profit.

I was referred to You Can Thrive by my long time friend and Naturopath. It was such a joy to connect with the practitioners and staff who had so much expertise in working with those going through not only the physical, but psychological, emotional and spiritual changes that come with any diagnosis. When I had my initial intake appointment I felt heard, known, and empowered - and like I wasn’t alone in the way I have been going about my healing process. Literally every single one of the practitioners who worked with me from everything from Reiki to EFT to social work - was professional, profoundly knowledgeable, experienced and passionate about the work that they do. I needed this. I look forward to helping to support the nonprofit as they move forward expanding both their reach and their services. If you’re reading this and you have any doubts about either supporting or applying for support from this nonprofit, please consider this a sign. They absolutely make a difference - and you too can thrive.

Luana DeAngelis is a remarkable, powerful being. I could not have gotten through cancer without You Can Thrive!

This organization is beyond words incredible!
I called one day….after 5+ years of diagnosis with stage 4 metastatic cancer.
I’m a single mom to a young child, at time of diagnosis…and he is still so young.

Suddenly, one day, I found my hope shattered when my neighbor, an amazing cancer thriver, left this world. I was so over identified.
All the toxic terror flooded back…the conviction that I am next…
I tried to cover up my sheer panic as I contacted “You Can Thrive”, an organization I was referred to years before, but never followed through….
I was not sure if I would find understanding of the emotional and energetic aspects of my personal healing journey.

I spoke with Luana, who was literally in between back to back meetings, but heard my desperation and gave me the 5 minutes she had for herself.
That conversation could have been 5 hours because it flooded me with hope again.
Luana told me her mind blowing story and she named the beliefs that immediately activated the beliefs of my higher self….that saved me for the 5 years before.

It resonated so deeply with the part of my brain that already believes that I am connected and whole.
I felt the hope reignite within….like being basked in light after being cramped up in darkness!!! ☀️

Luana wasn’t done with me yet. This Angel went on to tell me that they want to help me. That they can get me support and healing services asap. This was a new experience for me. I wasn’t begging, she heard me, she cared, and wanted to help me.
This alone set off inner sparkles of inspiration.
I am just a regular gal struggling to pay for basic needs, typically all I need to say to lose the interest of potential helpers…..
Not in this case! Luana said that “You Can Thrive” WILL help me.

And so it was!
I was matched with an incredible patient navigator, Eileen, who really listened and heard me.
Eileen was so eager to set me up for services to directly address the most concerning symptoms I was telling her about.
These providers are incredible.
I’ve felt my depleted tank being filled up, and then I’ve experienced more energy she ability for self-care…..

I can’t wait to give back to this organization.
It feels amazing to receive, in my time of need. Also knowing that I am on the journey to deepening my wellness and part of my karmic balance of wellness will be to share the light with others that is being shared with me. To live connected with like-minded community

Thank you so much to the beautiful YOU CAN THRIVE team ������

After being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer I was completely at a loss, until I found You Can Thrive. You Can Thrive immediately reached out to me and provided me with so much love, support, and guidance - which was everything I was searching for, especially at my lowest point. After chatting with several amazing people who made me feel like I wasn't alone, and that I was going to be okay, I was then set up for some appointments. Some of these appts included breath-work, distant reiki, tapping, and polarity, just to name a few. All of these practices immediately provided me relief and continue to help me tremendously on my journey of thriving with breast cancer.
Thank you You Can Thrive for everything that you do, I could never imagine going through this journey without you.

You Can Thrive! is an amazing and necessary resource for cancer thrivers. During a time when life can feel very overwhelming, YCT is there to offer affordable wellness modalities to empower and support you on your journey, no matter what stage. When I needed someone, a fellow breast cancer thriver to talk to, YCT, was able to connect me with someone. When I wanted to try breathwork and a massage, YCT made it easy to do so, offering complimentary sessions. The patient navigators are warm, patient and caring. The practitioners are passionate about giving back, thoughtful and empowering. I will forever be grateful for this beautiful organization. Everyone deserves to feel better, thank you YCT for making a scary journey a little brighter.

I spent a semester working with You Can Thrive as a patient navigator for my internship at University. I learned so much and gained real world experience in the field of counseling. I have been so grateful to meet all the Thrivers and amazing people at You Can Thrive!

After my hysterectomy, I went to a You Can Thrive! event. Healers performed reiki and massage on me. I released a lot of sadness about my cancer experience and left feeling brighter and happier.

You Can Thrive is a very helpful charity which I highly recommend for those who are looking to move beyond cancer for themselves or their family or friends!

You Can Thrive (based in NYC) is an amazingly helpful and plentiful resource to help people move beyond cancer to joyful, vibrant health! Please consider checking out or donating to this wonderful organization that has helped myself and so many others in the past to find calm, hope, wellness, community and bright futures!

Everyone should be able to thrive with the right mindset and assistance!

I started working with You Can Thrive in April of this year as I was starting chemo treatment. I have felt so incredibly supported from their wonderful staff from the start. Emily, my intake facilitator, has been so generous with her time and support. I immediately felt heard and understood. Even later on, post chemo, Emily helped me to feel comfortable in reaching out to her for support when I was experiencing post-chemo side effects.

I also have had the great fortune of working with Elizabeth Tripp. Elizabeth’s empathic and holistic approach has helped me to connect the early origins of my difficult emotions and how these emotions are retained in my body and reflected in my thoughts. By helping to increase my awareness, she is helping me learn to feel safe, be able to move forward and be at peace with my life. In effect, I am finally learning to not merely survive, but to thrive! Thank you!

The most amazing group of people.

To those who feel alone - you have resources, you can survive. AND You Can Thrive!

You Can Thrive is a warm and welcoming space. Luana's compassion and presence alone makes it worth the visit. I was blessed to go on retreat with this space (at no cost!!!) and was given a weekend of deep healing and reflection, something beyond invaluable. So grateful for this space and all they do.

I first heard about YCT when I was in the hospital having my mastectomy. It has been such a healing space for me as I continue to survive, & thrive. They give us so many services to avail ourselves. We also have an amazing extended community who donate their time, the talent and their service for our wellbeing. Luana has made this possible, even throughout her own battle. YCT is an amazing community, that I for one appreciate greatly.

I discovered You Can Thrive! (YCT) when i went to a sound bath at Maha Rose center in Brooklyn. I was speaking with the practicioner after the session and telling her how I had only learned of the concept of sound healing after being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer 2.5 years earlier. She told me of YCT and mentioned they did free weekly sound healing for women with breast cancer, which was amazing considering they are usually $40 per session at most studios. When I went to the YCT website I found that they offered so much more, between free yoga, nutritional counseling, massage, etc - all at low or no cost. I wish I could have found YCT so much earlier in my diagnosis, and now I am committed to making sure every woman I meet with breast cancer knows about this amazing resource in NYC. It's not easy to manage financially in NYC when you're dealing with such a difficult diagnosis, and it's incredible to me that so many generous practitioners are here to help you along the path. While I am currently a member, I hope to become a volunteer and potentially even a board member or advisor to help spread the word!

You Can Thrive has supported me in the most difficult year of my life and I am so grateful for all that this beautiful organization does. At age 38, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. With no family history of cancer and 2 young children to care for, I had a whole lot more questions than answers and it felt like I was drowning. I reached out to YCT and immediately felt like part of a loving and generous community. They quickly got me in touch with a Cancer Navigator who was a tremendous wealth of information and helped me understand all of the options ahead of me. I was able to go to my first doctor visit armed with information and questions to ask. I took my health in my own hands and have felt like I was able to make informed decisions throughout the process. I received amazing support and healing services like reiki, acupuncture, massage and facials as well as access to yoga and sound healing. In those early days after diagnosis those beautiful wellness sessions felt like the only moments of peace, calm and healing in my life, which sparked a true desire to support my own body’s healing, and I think it’s made all the difference. I’m throwing everything I have at this cancer, and am so grateful that is is shrinking, and in it’s place is growing a garden of gratitude and love. I am so, so grateful to YCT for all they do.

I am a recent member of You Can Thrive, and I have been very pleased with the type of services and activities they offer. I have been able to talk and work with a nutritionist, do acupuncture and massage therapy, and get one of the best facials I have ever had. I look forward to getting further involved with this organization.

And Got to experience aroma therapy which was amazing!!! I will reccomend this foundation to everyone I know!! Thank you

A noble and incredibly important organization that provides much needed support and resources for people going through one of the toughest challenges we face as humans. Luana and the team at YCT have truly blessed the area with their selfless gifts of service. I highly recommend YCT to anyone facing the challenges of a cancer dx.

My recent diagnosis of breast cancer has been stressful at best. You Can Thrive! provides access to quality holistic services such as acupuncture, yoga, massage and reiki. The financial demands of having cancer are enormous and the availability of such complementary services at low to no cost is incredible. You Can Thrive! adds quality to life that a cancer diagnosis often diminshes. The stress brought on by cancer and its' treatments are overwhelming. These services allow me to practice self care in order to lower my levels of stress. This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on my healing and full recovery.

This place is not in integrity. They pretty much have a very toxic founder and way of decievinf people.. taking advantage of the goodness of people and also the very vulnerable population that they claim to serve!

They don’t do what they claim. $20 doesn’t give Cancer any free service and what they call “free or donation”’in reality is a demanded set amount- or else.

They even told a homeless woman with cancer that she had to pay in order to attend events. Shameless.

They also insist on knowing cancer patient’s income level so they know how much to demand for “donations”!

Donations are by definition, not mandatory so they are deceiving everyone!

They also don’t serve survivors or the community at large.

And they basically give some people a couple of free sessions- from a volunteer- it’s all volunteer led so they don’t need money:. And then demand meant after that for everything.. pretty much the classic drug dealer business model.. ugh.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, they barley offer anything ( in a city where so many places actually do) and then claim that those few things can prevent or treat Cancer! And ask for more money.. for what exactly? To pay their staff of volunteers? Or the free donated space? Or more likely, the international travel and dining out habits of the owner..

Delusional and deceptive owners.. who have harassed people the claim to serve ..they have an unusually high turn over of volunteers and have heard pretty much all of them complain about the crazy owner..

in a city with so many amazing doctors and hospitals and integrative services actually free of charge for the Cancer Community- we don’t need toxic charlatans like this place! To think they even lied to Oprah! And take credit with their min offerings for what in actuality is the results of the numerous places just like them ( but a lot better!) and top healthcare in the country..dart away.. they’re not good for your emotional or spiritual or physical health in any way and need to be shut down!

You Can Thrive is a great organization. They have helped me so much through a difficult journey. Their people are amazing and they work changed my life. I love the soundbaths! They centered my spirit and kept me going through one of the most dofficult times of my life.

Getting diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age is hard enough, but getting treatment away from friends and family made it harder. YCT was the support I needed while I was going through chemo, and they introduced me to Reiki and soundbath, which changed my life. They provide such amazing complimentary holistic treatment at no cost, which helped me so much with my healing. Great organization and amazing cause!

after treatment was done and I was send home with very little advice on what to do next I found YCT. They were there for me with support and advice. I found the regular meditation and free services an anchor in my road to get my life back in order . There is so much love and loving volunteers who care deeply and are offering their time and support for anyone who needs it . Being in this loving and supportive environment made my recovery possible

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my 20s and you can imagine the whirlwind my young spirit was thrown into without warning. It was through YouCanThrive! that the raging battle gave way to a healing retreat full of acceptance and love.

YCT’s ancillary services have helped me as much as any medicine could. During my first session the acupuncturist’s unique combination of calming energy and technical expertise relieved loads of tension, helped rebalance my body, and finally brought me into the regenerative space I so desperately needed. The therapeutic platform and warm community that YouCanThrive! provides is a godsend that all survivors deserve to experience at least once. Highly recommend!

I have witnessed many of the members of You Can Thrive form friendships and connection. The women are able to exchange information with each other when it comes their treatment and it can be educational but it also allows everyone to have someone to lean on during a difficult time

Since finding You Can Thrive, I've been able to received holistic treatments recommended by my doctors at free and low cost rates. The services provided have helped me deal with the side effects of my treatments. I've very grateful to You Can Thrive for the services they provide.

You Can Thrive you guys are the best. Thanks to Luana! I was able to relax and unwind it was helpful to me. I will continue to participate! because my mind, body and emotional has changed ever since my cancer and mastectomy followed by reconstruction. I was looking for support and different kind of services and I found you can Thrive which is a great place to go.
Thank you very much.

Love,
Maria T.

A fantastic organization that provides alternative therapies for survivors of breast cancer, they offer treatments such as reiki, guided meditation, access to cbd, countless networks, animal therapy, massage, and much more. The people are amazing, the space is incredible, and the energy here is so wonderful

I just attended my first Sound Journey with Reiki tonight and loved it! The vibrational healing helped my mind to unwind and my body to relax. By the end I could feel my energy rebalancing. What a beautiful and safe space Luana holds for women to come each week to find healing as they undergo and recover from treatment.

~ Jean Bromage, Reiki Teacher

I found YCT after a 2007 diagnosis, and was welcomed into an incredibly positive, supportive community. You Can Thrive! provided massage and nutrition, acupuncture, and help in making treatment choices. I reconnected again as a volunteer when a friend was diagnosed and was seeking supportive services. I can't imagine having gone through treatment without them.

You can thrive is amazing and makes a huge difference in healing and communitu

I have found the programs and events that I have attended at You Can Thrive! to consistently be rich with information, presented and supported with caring, talented people in a warm and accepting atmosphere. It's a very special place; I'm so glad I found it.

You Can Thrive! Foundation fills a crucial gap in wellness for cancer survivors and thrivers. Access to their amazing wellness programs, including yoga classes, have helped me slowly rebuild my strength and wellness after four months of chemo. The fact that these programs and services are flexible, available, and reliable -- amazing! I am so grateful to these guys for everything that they do, so generously, for this community.
Thanks YCT!!

Excellent support service focused on wellness and healing.

I had a great experience at the You Can Thrive! Multidisciplinary Bliss event on Sunday, January 8, 2017. There were fantastic practioners and volunteers who assisted me in identifying problem areas and releasing tension. I highly recommend anyone who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer to attend.

I have been a client of You Can Thrive since 2008 following my re-diagnosis with breast cancer. Within a few days after my first call, I was receiving a number of wellness modalities such as reflexology, acupuncture and massage and especially rhythm thrive a movement class. The opportunity to receive these services in company with other cancer survivors was very important to me. In June, 2016, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and immediately contacted You Can Thrive and have been receiving services. I am happy to support Y.C.T. which has been so important in my recovery and continued well being.

I love going to Therapeutic Sound for Cancer class at You Can Thrive for cancer survivors, it's so soothing - that's very helpful for me as I go through this physically and mentally challenging time of breast cancer treatment. I love all the ladies I've met there!

I love that You Can Thrive is PINK for PEOPLE, in other words, they use their donated funds to offer services directly to the patients. The free acupuncture I received during treatment helped me with some of my side effects.

I am a THRIVER of breast cancer and was introduced to You Can Thrive (YCT) by my RN during radiation who also donates her time and skills to YCT.
I attended a YCT event & workshop for the first time on Sunday 5/1/16 and was amazed by the dedication, energy and care from all the volunteer Practitioners and Volunteers! Oncology Nutritionist, Craniosacral, Sound therapy musicians, Masseuses, Qi gong, Acupuncture etc. Every 'Thriver' was scheduled time with most.
So much of cancer treatment is clinical and stressful for the mind body and soul.
To have an organization opening up the possibility to providing a calming holistic alternative made cry happy tears for a change not to mention the amazing benefit to every cell in my body. The best vitamins & nourishment for healing! I shall continue to spread the word and be a voice to my medical team & those along my b c journey about the benefits of such an organization as I wish for the two worlds to work together as yin & yang or heart to heart in balancing the clinical with the holistic!
I fully encourage Thrivers to seek out You Can Thrive.
A special bow to Luana De Angelis for her vision & dedication as the Founder of YCT!

I just got breast cancer and am under Chemo. In reaching out to find "Help" I came across You can Thrive and Luana. It was the BEST thing about this situation. They are such a caring group and their volunteers are professional donating their time and service. I have taken advantage to the extent I hope to,play it forward once I am able. I have spoke to my clients and coworker and also gotten them involved. There are many organization out there. All good. This is my FAV

I was introduced to YCT by a friend during my chemo treatments, the first time I went to YCT location, couldn't believe the welcoming I received, everyone on this organization offers positive, caring and loving energy, I finished my chemo treatments, however as so many of us go thru the healing process, I was struggling with pain and no strength in my legs, YCT still have been offering me help to deal with my healing process, one of the treatments that has help me tremendously is reflexology, the improvement on the strength of my legs is incredible and the pain has lessen a great deal, along with the physical treatments they gave me spiritual guidance, I am very grateful to Luana and all her staff for a great work that they do, I wish there were more organizations like this one to help millions of us during these hardships.

Upon hearing the diagnosis of breast cancer, needless to say i was beyond being upset. I was told about You Can Thrive through a doctor's office. Since going and meeting with Luana and her team of incredible people I have come in contact with many other foundations and groups. You Can Thrive is so unique in it's approach. It takes into account the entire person and what will benefit her the most. From Nutrition, acupuncture. aroma therapy, the love and support and above all the positive energy that is felt as soon as you walk in just to name a few of the things that are offered far exceeded any pre conceived ideas i may have had. Because of Luana I now know there is a bright journey ahead of me and I live in hope as opposed to being sad. May her and her foundation continue their mission to help those of us afflicted with a disease that most everyone fears and nobody wants.

I came to YCT recommended by my hospital. They kept trying to put me in groups where women sat in circles and spoke about how terrible their illness were and all the bad things happening to them, including all their fears and . I'm not a "group" person, but had done therapy in the past, so wasn't closed off to talking about what was going on through dealing with my (hopefully ex) cancer. The moment you step into You Can Thrive! you breath deep and are very relaxed. All the volunteers treat you like old loved friends who ask how you are ad offer advice on how to Thrive after this experience. I went there so scared, my hospital was an incompetent mess and I wanted to give up on going forwad with treatment. Every week I was at YCT, who ever the volunteer doing reiki, nutrition, acupuncture, reflexology or tapping was would first get to know you. To see how you were doing not only physically, but mentally. I get sooo much more care,love, time, attention and personal knowledge about my case then I have ever EVER gotten from my surgeon, plastic surgeon or oncologist. I can honestly say that without YCT I would have given up. Without their encouragement, offering nutritional and stress reducing services like massage, reike, reflexology and acupuncture I woudln't have been able to get through my radiation and all the errors at NYP that made we wonder if I was going through all this just to have them screw up and not catch a reoccurance later on. Luanne the founder spoke with me on how all systems are broken and how we need to advocate for ourselves every step of our treatment. So it's not just having wonderful treatments...It's having them from people who thoroughly understand what you are going through and who genuinely care about you thriving.

This is a charity for breast cancer patients and survivors. They provide guidance and support on nutrition, intermediating on your health care such as contacting your doctors on behalf of patients but most important, they provide free holistic services (acupuncture, reiki, massage etc.) to women like me who couldn't otherwise afford it. Getting cancer treatment is horrific in a physical and emotional way and the hospitals who treat us do not offer these very necessary services. They helped me when I needed it most. And we meet other survivors which assists in our recovery.

I arrived at Thrive a few days before my chemo began, terrified about the toxic drugs coming down the pike and their potential effects on my otherwise healthy body. Fast forward a few months--all eight rounds of chemo completed--and I can tell you that two things got me through this physically and emotionally grueling time: support from my family and friends plus the services and community provided by You Can Thrive. The holistic modalities on offer (acupuncture, reiki and nutritional counseling to name a few) are top notch in easing pain and aiding healing, but it goes far beyond that. The practitioners who volunteer their time and expertise do so with such openness, warmth and a genuine desire to help the women they serve. As a client, I always felt welcomed and fully accepted by the providers, volunteers and founder Luana herself. It's a safe environment where breast cancer patients can doff their wigs, reveal their fears and share their stories, all while receiving wonderful, complementary treatments to balance the harsh effects of traditional cancer protocols. I'm grateful I found Thrive, through a survivor at a SHARE support group, and I'm happy when I can return the favor to another newly diagnosed woman. It's as if I'm passing along a treasured key that opens the door to surviving cancer with just a little more ease and grace and a lot more happiness and good health.

I am a Massage and Polarity Therapist and I love giving session at YCT. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, easy to share your gifts and help women on their journey through/with Breast Cancer. Being a part of YCT helps me feel and remember the basic truth of just being with someone is the best medicine in the world.

I love working at You Can Thrive! I have met some of the most extraordinary and inspiring people there.

My experience at You Can Thrive! has been phenomenal. I really enjoy my volunteering there on Sundays. It is a beautiful and supportive atmosphere.

You Can Thrive Foundation's services are cutting edge. YCT fills a gap where no gap should be and I am happy to be part of it. I offer Reflexology sessions to YCT clients who also receive other integrative services, as well as advocacy. YCT sets an example and has been doing so for years.

I met Luana DeAngelis through a friend and her dedication to the cause of providing complimentary treatment to women wit breast cancer inspired me to get involved in her cause. I am now both an intern and a volunteer for You Can Thrive and it has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life. The healing nourishment and group support that this foundation provides has by now become an indispensable resource for the community and the women suffering from this illness. If you want to make a difference in people's lives, there is no better way and no better cause than this.

I am SO grateful to have found You Can Thrive; it is a place like no other! I followed standard treatment protocol for breast cancer and suffered many side effects from radiation and drugs. You Can Thrive not only provided an amazing support system but offered complimentary therapies such as acupuncture, nutritional support, massage, reflexology, Reiki, meditation, wellness workshops, healthy food prep demos and much more. You Can Thrive offers an opportunity to connect with a community, a "whole-being" support team. I would highly recommend this foundation to anyone diagnosed with breast cancer; you will find love, support and invaluable tools to meet the challenges ahead.

You Can Thrive is a blessing, there is no where else like it. They focus so much on the person emotionally and spiritually with so many wonderful treatments available. You leave there with such a feeling of peace and relaxation. A great space to meet and share with others on their Cancer Journey.

You can thrive is geared to Cancer patients and survivors. The atmosphere is loving, the support services excellent, and each patient is valued. A holistic program features nutrition, Reiki, Essential Oil therapies, Yoga, contemplative care and much more. This is the place to be as a patient or volunteer in New York City.

You Can Thrive is the greatest gift to women with breast cancer that you one could ever wish for. I was fortunate enough to be told about You Can Thrive while I attended a support group during my treatment and it has enriched my world. The services that are offered - acupuncture, massage, reiki, nutritional counseling, reflexology-too many to list-are essential to healing - both emotionally and physically. Luana, all of the volunteers and all of the survivors you meet there are the most compassionate, knowledgeable and fun people you could ever want in your life. You Can Thrive is a blessing and I am grateful I found it when I needed it and grateful to be able to offer my services back to them whenever I can.

I have volunteered at YCT many times and it has never failed to help me feel gratitude and wonder at how much more I receive when I give my time and service to others. Meeting the loving volunteers, and the courageous clients have made a big difference in understanding how community should truly work. Great organization, wonderful support and information for patients undergoing difficult life transistions. Cudos and Rewards for YCT, a great organization with true healing at it's heart. Geraldine Lesser

Being involved in You Can Thrive has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. You can see the difference being made in the lives of these women while there. This organization is so desperately needed as people are impacted by the emotional and financial burden that comes with a diagnosis like cancer. I'm so grateful You Can Thrive exists!

I have been so blessed to receive the support and genuineness of YCT all the way in Atlanta. I met Luana via Urban Zen Integrative Therapy training in NYC and she took me in. I happen to be a Hodgkin's lymphoma fighter and survivor, but I've been embraced my the clients and volunteers just the same. I lost my grandmother to metastatic breast cancer. She tried to learn as much as she could about complementary therapies, but had no where in our small city to turn. I think about her and how she would've really thrived had she had a place like YCT. I feel as though I thrive when I connect w/ my YCT family via facebook, twitter, and when they send me reiki. I can go on and on about how important and how vital the services provided by YCT are to women like myself. We are more than tumors and regardless of financial status need to be cared for as whole beautiful beings who matter. Much love to Luana and all those who make YCT possible.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to You Can Thrive . A wonderful and needed service. In BC, Canada, we have InspireHealth which has a similar mo. I have also set up a website for alternative healing for cancer - please share it as well: https://sites.google.com/site/thecfreelist/home

I have added You Can Thrive site info to my fave helpful sites now that I know about the great work you are doing. Kudos.

Peace, Love & Hope

Kat
a cancer slayer

I am very greatful for the help of You Can Thrive, It helped me a great deal facing the outcomes of chemo in a very practical ways like reiki, accupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy. I have met wonderful people there and also I have been introduced to new, delicious, nutricious food. Simply speaking: if you need help-you will get there!

You Can Thrive Foundation offers great healing support for women with breast cancer. The women receiving services come from all walks of life and are wonderful. Volunteer practitioners offer acupuncture, massage, energy healing, nutritional counseling, etc. The quiet, relaxed environment allows practitioners to exchange helpful information with each other. The executive director and program coordinator are professional women with a great vision that they've been able to put into action. I am so very grateful to be a volunteer practitioner for an organization that is offering such important, needed work. I highly recommend this organization to women who need healing support from breast cancer and to anyone looking for a special place to volunteer.

This is a fantastic organization run by fantastic people! Thanks for all you do. http://thrivingafterbreastcancer.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/what-you-can-thrive-means-to-me/

This is a very special place. I call it "safe". Going thru breast ca is traumatic and when the treatment ends one feels at a loss and almost more scared. One needs to deal with the fears and stress (plus weakness from the treatments). YCT does all of that and I am so grateful. I have received acupuncture to enable my walking, my stress and other modalities. You also meet other survivors to help them on their journey. I could not afford ancillary treatments during this time period. When I work again I hope to show my appreciation.

I have been treating women with breast cancer for many years and I have always felt lucky to have a great resource like You Can Thrive! in nyc. All of my patients who have been there have found it to be an open, non-judgmental, supportive organization. Ms. DeAngelis is truly dedicated to helping others in any way that she can.

I have been a member of You Can Thrive since 2008; I found it through the boutique at Beth Israel Hospital shortly after completing my radiation and chemo. It was very personal and all-women: a great female experience (except for a few male volunteers, who were excellent). Mostly, in a very caring place, the volunteers gave us acupuncture, reflexology, back rubs, aromatherapy, and advice about nutrition and life in geneeral. It was like a spa experience, and it bucked me up physically and mentally for days afterward. We learned there that we could help heal ourselves and others, and that we gave strength to each other by being there and by listening. I met some wonderful people there who were in the same place as I was: getting better after cancer.

My name is Luciana Estien and I am a Breast Cancer survivor. I have been going to you-can-thrive foundation for about 7 months now. I am very grateful for the support I am currently receiving from this wonderful foundation. Thanks to you-can-thrive foundation, people like me and other Breast Cancer survivors are receiving the help, the support and the knowledge we all need to live a healthier life. Some of the services provided by the foundation are nutritonal counseling, reflexology, acupuncture, massage, advocacy among others treatments. You-can-thrive is a great access to our community and without their support, breast cancer survivors could not afford these services to we so much are in need off. On behalf of all Breast Cancer survivors, I ask you to please support and help this wonderful foundation so they can continue to provide the education and the treatments to all Breast Cancer survivors. Thank you YOU-CAN-THRIVE for helping us. God Bless each and everyone of you.

There are not words to describe how much You Can Thrive helped me heal through my journey with breast cancer. To be able to look forward to a day of the week that is about healing the soul as well as the body is truly remarkable. The acupuncture, reflexology, nutritional counseling, advocacy counseling combined with the amazing group of volunteers and women you meet there- it's a place that I treasure and I hope all women with breast cancer have an opportunity to have access to.

You Can Thrive gave me totally free stress-relieving services (acupuncture, massage, reflexology) during my recovery after surgery for breast cancer. While there, I also received nutritional support, help with obtaining surgical bras through my insurance company and more. The emotional support and caring from others who are or have been in your shoes is phenomenal.

I am about to leave for my 8th "treatment" at the You Can Thrive Foundation--it's delicious! And a beyond-generous enterprise, providing free services with pro bono office space and staff...everybody doing their best to help. As a cancer survivor I heartily urge your support so we can continue to partake of You Can Thrive's health-enhancements. Plus, I have heard and participated in the comforting conversations among the women served from those like me who have been through it and have suggestions to make...and are cases in point of coming out safe/free. That clearly inspires those in the throes of fighting for their lives...who need all the help they can get. Instructive advice on nutrition and other issues add to all of the above. Do everything you can for You Can Thrive!

Lovely! Caring! Devoted! I'm still amazed how tirelessly the folks at You can Thrive were in taking care of me after breast cancer. Accupuncture, reflexology, classes, camraderie ---- They were more healing than doctors! I don't know how they find and keep so many top top volunteer practicioners but they do, and I hope they keep on keeping on. It was absolutely fundamental to my healing.

I do not remember my first day working with You Can Thrive; the days blend together as a single, thematic experience — checking in clients and looking out at the waiting room, seeing people talking about the weather, their families, and what they've been up to on the weekends. Chit-chat wafting around the room interspersed with spurts of chuckles. An occasional sigh. The underlying pulse is clear — that this space is safe and loving. Many women, especially in underprivileged communities, suffer from cancer and do not have access to palliative care. You Can Thrive is exceptional. It's a treasure created and nurtured by so many hands and spirits. Although each day brings its own challenges, the animating force of You Can Thrive is the commitment of its community.

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am a 38 year old female who was diagnosed with estrogen receptor HER2 Neu breast cancer last April 2010. I started coming to You Can Thrive after having met the founder at a meeting about alternative methods of treating cancer and she was so understanding and kind that when she gave me her information and invited me to contact her I actually did so immediately.

I began coming to You Can Thrive in June of 2010 after my very first chemo treatment. Throughout my chemo ordeal I amazed my doctors with my calm attitude and ability to eat well despite the nausea, as well as exercise throughout all six cycles of TCH therapy (Taxotere, Carboplatin, and Herceptin). I felt as well as could be expected during such a difficult time and I would say that I even thrived in many ways.

I have learned so much from the other women who also come to You Can Thrive and the wonderful volunteers who give so much of their time, energy, and talent just to help us all to thrive as we survive. For some of us the kindest words we hear come from one another. You Can Thrive has been instrumental in the level of comfort I have been able to achieve during the treatments that for me are still on-going even after two surgeries (a lumpectomy and lymph node removal in November 2010 and DCIS removal in January 2011) as I am now undergoing radiation five days a week for six weeks. You Can Thrive has allowed me to weather each storm with the calm of an eagle as I soar above the cacophony below and all around me to reach a place within where only God can penetrate.

The services are invaluable to me and others who are on the same journey to overcome cancer, providing a safe place to vent, cry, laugh, dance, share, and most importantly, to heal, without having to worry about paying an exorbitant amount for these desperately needed services. You Can Thrive is reaching a forgotten community of women who may desire to incorporate more holistic practices into their treatment plan but may not have the financial means or knowledge to do so safely and effectively. Having our own facility in which to truly provide a safe and secure environment that would favorably promote and enhance the healing process would simply be the icing on an already sumptuous cake.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Tasha G.,
Breast Cancer Survivor

You Can Thrive has changed my life dramatically by providing a strong community of support plus a range of pain relief and wellness services that are not covered by insurance! Like many women, I am a breast cancer survivor who must take aromatase inhibitors to prevent recurrence. And like many women, there seemed to be no place to turn for help and treatment to relieve the devastating side effects of these powerful estrogen-suppressing drugs -- effects ranging from severe bone and muscle pain and fatigue to premature aging, early menopause and depression.

When I started attending You Can Thrive, my back, hips and leg bones hurt so much from the drugs that every step was painful. I felt I had aged 20 years physically and emotionally. While my oncologist was compassionate, she had no advice but to 'grin and bear it'. Meanwhile, the pain and depression were destroying my quality of life.

At You Can Thrive I found a wonderful community of survivors and practitioners filled with fresh ideas, support and services that have helped me get my life back on track. You Can Thrive provides access to high quality professional volunteer services such as acupuncture, massage, nutritional counseling, aromatherapy, reflexology and many more services that I could never afford on a "recovering" budget. These services have helped to substantially relieve my physical pain, and the support and companionship of so many amazing men and women reaching out to help each other nourishes the soul and provides knowledge and hope.

I volunteered with You Can Thrive from April - July 2009 and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Each and every volunteer was committed their time to improve another life. The services provided really changed lives. To hear the stories of women whose lives had been transformed through the community at YCT made each hour I spent volunteering worth it. YCT helps women go through one of the hardest times in their lives and each and everyone's support is needed so that YCT can expand and help more people!

I am currently a Stage IV breast cancer survivor undergoing treatment. You Can Thrive has provided an environment of hope and healing for me. Through free and affordable services including advocacy, acupuncture, massage and reflexology, You Can Thrive has supported my well-being as i experience the downside of chemo and hormonal therapies. I know that I have lived a better quality of life having visited the center for the last four years.

It's the one place where you can find true peace and a total catering for everyone who comes in to see and be part of the program. You are welcomed with open arms and listened to intently. They make sure to make you feel comfortable and lend you a shoulder if you should need one or a hug :) An amazing find when you think you have nothing else and you feel like you can't get any help.

I just cannot imagine my life without You Can Thrive at this time of my life. I am a breast cancer patient currently undergoing treatments having no family in the US. Luana Halpern’s You Can Thrive center is where I have found a family so willlingly accepting and loving that I think, it is the best thing that happened to me since I have received the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer.

The center is an amazing place of healing filled with love, caring and positive energy. The moment one enters the volunteers who offer their time and services are very eager to help breast cancer patients feel better both physically and emotionally. The center is an important part of my life right now and I very much look forward to each and every Sunday where, aside from getting valuable treatments such as reflexology, acupuncture and massage therapy, I also get a lot of nutritional support, love and encouragement to go on with my fight.
The center is a place where a patient is always looked after and cared for by a “personal” patient advocate/navigator, where every breast cancer survivor is assisted in her daunting task of navigating through the maze of her illness.

I truly and deeply appreciate the services that I receive at You Can Thrive which otherwise would not be affordable to me and I am especially grateful to Luana Halpern for creating such an amazing center that is so meaningful and helpful for breast cancer patients, both physically and emotionally.

I learned of this organization from my twin sister who conducted some research on breast cancer after my second surgery. t that point, I was let go from my employment and had nowhere to turn for medical ccverage. I met with Luana and she offered valuable informative resources and contacts that enabled me to continue my treatment and uplifted my spirits.

Again, I thank you Luana for all you have done for this particular commmunity.

Doreena Davidson

Hi ,my name is Gregory. My work at theYCTF has been one of upliftment. I do reflexology at the center. The best feedback is to here the ladies say how goood they feel after the sessions. I think that service from the heart is very important and a gift from God.

I am a stage IV metastatic breast cancer survivor, currently undergoing grueling treatment to shrink liver tumors. I am also on Social Security Disability and as such, have an extremely fixed income. Every week, I am invited to You Can Thrive, to have a session of acupuncture, massage therapy, reflexology, polarity therapy, etc.

I have been going once weekly and the acupuncture sessions, by a professional, licensed acupuncturist is the therapy that helps me the most with the side-effects of treatment. Afterwards, I genuinely feel so much better, and this helps me face another week of treatment.

I would love to see You Can Thrive have their very own center in NYC, and be able to continue with the services that are generously given by volunteer professionals, but also would love to see the program expand so that many more women with cancer can receive complementary treatments that are not available through their doctors or clinics, where they currently receive treatment.

I look forward to coming to You can Thrive every week and being part of this valuable program for women with cancer. As I meet these women, eager to receive these services - and then see them again as they come out after having received these services - the difference in their attitude and positivity is just amazing. Most importantly though, at least for awhile, they are free of pain because of the healing modality of the treatment they received (acupuncture, massage, reflexology). These treatments and services are proven to help cancer patients get through chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy, or just get through first hearing about their diagnosis, which is - on its own - depressing and debilitating.

I hope that You Can Thrive will THRIVE in order to serve a clientele that is desperate for the caring, human touch - something that seems to be missing in the often cold maze of trying to figure out a cancer diagnosis, and then having to go through treatment. You Can Thrive eases the way, opens doors of communication between clients and their own bodies.

When I come out of an acupuncture session at You Can Thrive, I feel functional, good in my body, and grateful for these free services.

You Can Thrive Foundation is a wonderful organization. Women need all the support they can get when faced with health challenges and YCTF gives them support in so many ways. What a blessing, every city should be so lucky.

I have donated my body care products to this foundation for a couple of years now and am so happy to do it. Luana is a remarkable, tireless advocate for these women and I feel it's the least I can do.

I was the reflexology program director for "You Can Thrive" breast cancer survivor's foundation. I met Luana Halpern who is the founder and really fell in love with the program that she had put together. I had a lot of feet go through my hands and I heard a lot of stories and heard laughter and tears. It was a fantastic place for me as an outreach reflexology volunteer, sensing the challenge to these young women and seeing the courage in them as they went through treatment. I was very lucky to have had the opportunity to serve these women.

I found You Can Thrive in early December 2010, a few weeks after I was diagnosed with Stage IIb breast cancer at the age of 37. Cancer is a devastating diagnosis and I was terrified and willing to do whatever it took to survive. At You Can Thrive, I found a vibrant network of women who understood what I was going through, as well as a dedicated team of volunteers who are committed to helping women by providing them with quality integrative care. At the time of this writing, I have been through five rounds of chemo with three more to go. After that, I will have surgery and radiation. My response to chemo has been excellent - my tumor is shrinking and my lymph nodes are now clear. In addition, my side effects have been minimal, allowing me to live a normal life. I know that I will beat this cancer and I am deeply grateful for the wonderful compassion and support that I have found at You Can Thrive.

You Can Thrive was there for me at a time when I didn't feel like moving forward. This is a charity that gives to the people who are most in need and going through cancer. I needed these services and I never could have paid out of pocket. It helped my symptoms and I'm so happy that it exists.

You Can Thrive! Foundation fills in what is absolutely missing in breast cancer aftercare – well-rounded, holistic treatments that are crucial to women who have gone through much physical and mental distress. Each woman receives personal attention and care. There's a tight-knit and welcoming community feel.

A wonderful support center providing holistic, integrative care to ALL survivors of breast cancer. Spending time at "You Can Thrive" reminds me just how precious human life is. The healing treatments are priceless....

I think this foundation does incredible work in filling the void. Once a cancer survivor completes treatment, she doesn't just drop off the planet and the continued support is essential. You Can Thrive deserves our support and should be applauded for the needs they they filled thus far!

As a breast cancer survivor, I feel a strong desire to give back,to help other woman on their journey through breast cancer and beyond. When I heard about YOU CAN THRIVE I was intrigued. When I volunteered at YCT I knew I found the place to do GOOD. A place that's entire agenda is purely to make woman feel good, to offer services that focus on the one person woman often put last in their lives...themselves. And knowing that everyone at YOU CAN THRIVE is there as a volunteer makes it all the more special. The woman know that all those providing services at YCT are doing it purely from the heart, just to make them feel good. Some woman come to talk, share their experiences and receive treatments. Others come to escape and quietly get treatments and rejuvinate. To see woman come in heavy- hearted and leave smiling and light makes it all worthwhile. So often we think about doing things and say "would I benefit from this?" "why would I go there?". Being a part of YOU CAN THRIVE, I have to say "Why wouldn't you come to YCT?"

After surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I began going to You Can Thrive. Physically and emotionally I was a mess. Because of the acupuncture, reflexology and massage treatments I receive, I feel so much better. And the aromatherapy also helps. Stress and anxiety are soothed away at You Can Thrive. But most of all, it is a safe place where we can talk about our difficulties and people care. It is a great comfort to know that there is a place where we can go to gain strength. I feel very fortunate to know all the people who volunteer, receive treatments, and especially Luana Halpern, who runs You Can Thrive.

Finally, a setting -- not connected with a medical facility -- that provides a network of professional volunteer services, responsive support, opportunity for survivor learning, and compassion for women with breast cancer. The unique needs of each individual woman in AND out of treatment serve as the primary motivation for U Can Thrive!

As a breast cancer survivor, I have found the You Can Thrive Foundation to be a warm enviroment with a staff of caring and compassionate volunteers. Each time I receive my reflexology and acupuncture treatments I feel happy and energetic. My mind, body and spirit is connected. There are healing powers in the hands of the skilled therapists who volunteer their time. I feel blessed to have received such wonderful treatments after my traumatic experience with b/s .........Thanks Luana and all the staff at the YCT foundation for your loving support.

Thank you...you can thrive was the only place a single mom on chemo, could go to get some positive energy, the reflexology and massage was wonderful for my mind and body. No cost for women on chemo, I have contacted many non for profit charity's, and most likely get the run a round. Thank you for opening your door with no red tape.

This was a fantastic resource for me after my breast cancer diagnosis and lumpectomy. The support and wonderful treatments (reflexology and acupuncture) that became part of my weekly Sunday routine was invaluable to my understanding of my diagnosis and my healing. I found great inspiration in the other women I met there and most of all in Luana herself who is just the most dedicated and passionate of women I've had the pleasure to know.

I read about this terrific organization from a newspaper that I picked up at a Health food store. The article impressed me and I felt it would be worth my while to check out their website. After viewing it- I was excited because the video explained in detail all the professionally facilitated support and wellness services for women just like me. I highly recommend this organization. My favorite part is the "Reflexology"!!!!!

a beautiful caring group of volunteers and talented healers. I felt taking care of and listened to. Made any difficult side effects easier to endure