In the summer of 2004, my mother was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. I was her healthcare advocate/caregiver for the next 17 years. She was not only my mother but also my best friend. Then, in the winter of 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and chose to be treated by conventional medicine. At the end of my treatment, I was deemed to be in remission and, five years later, cured. However, the underlying conditions that allowed my cancer to develop and proliferate had not been identified or addressed.

Since I did not have a genetic predisposition or family history of breast cancer, my diagnosis was deemed to be due to "environmental factors." Having worked as an environmental engineer for more than 25 years at that time, the irony was not lost on me. So, I embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between conventional medicine and holistic health in order to begin my healing journey which, to this day, is ongoing.

I started to spend a great deal of time in nature - in the forest and by the sea - with my beloved dog by my side. I was also inspired to explore healing modalities like acupuncture, aromatherapy, detoxification, massage, nutrition and diet, Reiki, and yoga. I was blessed to begin the work toward bringing my mind, body, and spirit into alignment. I was also determined to help others do the same.

Connect & Thrive (CAT), is the result of my determination.

My mother passed away in August 2021. Throughout her journey, and mine, I thought about how I could make a positive difference in the lives of others. True healing takes time, energy, and resources. It is not a destination but, rather, a lifelong journey. It is my heartfelt hope that CAT becomes the connection point for previvors, patients, thrivers, and caregivers to begin their own healing journeys.