EMPOWER THROUGH AWARENESS
My Journey: From Fear to Empowerment
On August 8th, 2024, a date known as the Lion’s Gate Portal—a time believed by many to be one of spiritual awakening and transformation—I received news that would forever change my life: I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
This diagnosis felt like the culmination of years of choices that, in many ways, were driven by fear. For 30 years, I smoked, using it as a crutch to escape the realities I wasn’t ready to face. Alcohol, too, became a way to numb myself from the truths I feared to confront. But 13 years ago, I made a decision that would alter the course of my life—I chose sobriety. I turned my back on alcohol and began a journey toward reclaiming my health and my life. Four years ago, I also put down the cigarettes for good.
However, one fear lingered, one that I couldn’t shake: the fear of getting a mammogram. For years, I avoided it, telling myself that ignorance was bliss, that not knowing was somehow safer. I now understand that this was the same fear that once kept me trapped in addiction—the fear of facing reality, the fear of the unknown.
It wasn’t until I turned 55 that I finally gathered the courage to get my first mammogram, and it was then that my breast cancer was discovered. My surgeon told me that this diagnosis was likely a result of my past lifestyle—a sobering reminder of the choices I made to escape from reality.
But this diagnosis is not the end of my story. Instead, it’s a new beginning—a call to action, not just for me, but for everyone. I’ve decided to use my journey to empower others, to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, and to encourage everyone to face their fears head-on.
To further this mission, I’m organizing a special Empower Through Awareness Yoga & Fitness Fundraiser through my yoga studio, starting on September 20th. This event will kick off with a special Sound Healing and Yoga Nidra session on September 20th, and donations will begin on this day, leading up to my surgery on September 30th. The fundraiser will continue throughout October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
During this period, all classes marked as an Empower Through Awareness (ETA) Class will have 100% of their proceeds donated to charity. This isn’t just about raising money; it’s about spreading a vital message. It’s about reminding everyone that early detection saves lives, that it’s never too late to make healthier choices, and that we are stronger together.
The event will feature a full schedule of yoga and fitness classes, including Vinyasa Flow, HIIT, Yin Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Step Classes, and more. We welcome everyone, whether you’re a member of our studio or not. Every class you attend helps support causes that mean the most to me: breast cancer awareness to support mammograms, and organizations that support alcoholism and addiction recovery.
Class Participation: By donation
Donation Use: 100% of the proceeds from Empower Through Awareness (ETA) Classes will be donated to breast cancer awareness for mammograms and to support alcoholism/addiction recovery.
Your participation not only supports these vital causes but also helps foster a community of strength, resilience, and hope. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and encourage each other to prioritize our health.
I invite you to join me in this journey. Share this story, attend a class, donate if you can, and most importantly, let’s break the cycle of fear together. Let’s empower ourselves and each other to live with courage and awareness.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.
With love and gratitude,
Grace Pizarro
