Hi, I’m Donna.
My journey with this work began, as so many do, with my own battle.
At 41, life was full—I was immersed in a demanding 20-year career as a freelance producer, newly married, and embracing life with two wonderful stepdaughters. I was the "hardcore yoga practitioner," the green-juice drinker, someone who prioritized wellness.
Then came the diagnosis: Stage 3 colon cancer.
When "Wellness" Wasn't Enough
Suddenly, that carefully balanced life felt impossible. My producer instincts kicked into "action mode" for surgery, but hearing I needed chemotherapy brought me to my knees emotionally. The desire to maintain normalcy while juggling treatment, career, and family felt crushing. Wellness, once a priority, seemed out of reach. The physical toll mounted—profound fatigue, strange side effects like extreme sensitivity to cold—making even simple tasks exhausting. My usual yoga and Pilates routines no longer fit the body I was in. This wasn't just about physical hardship; it was about losing the familiar ways I cared for myself.
Searching for Understanding in Isolation
More than the physical challenges, I felt isolated. I desperately searched for resources and practitioners who truly understood the unique needs of someone navigating cancer treatment. While well-meaning, many lacked that specific knowledge, and this search for understanding became a frustrating journey in itself. Compounding this was the discomfort cancer brings up in others; conversations often felt stilted, deepening the sense of isolation. Traditional support systems, I realized, simply fell short in providing the nuanced, practical understanding I craved. I often hesitated to burden my family, wanting to appear strong, which highlighted the crucial need for support outside one's closest circle.
"I often hesitated to burden my family, wanting to appear strong, which highlighted the crucial need for support outside one's closest circle."
The Unseen Challenges of "Cancer-Free"
The challenges didn't magically end when treatment did. Declared "cancer-free," I faced the daunting task of rebuilding a life that felt foreign. The constant support of my medical team vanished, leaving me feeling like a shell of my former self, unsure how to even begin. My body had changed—weight gain, weakness, no stamina. My appearance was affected, impacting my confidence. It took nearly five challenging years, navigating not just recovery but also the unmentioned complexities of perimenopause, to feel close to my old self again. This period taught me that healing is an ongoing process, far beyond the end of medical intervention.
This experience was the inspiration for my journal post, 'Navigating the Post-Treatment Transition: What to Expect and How to Prepare an Actionable Roadmap.’
From Personal Need to Professional Mission
It was through this long journey that this work was born. I realized how profoundly the right kind of support can improve your quality of life, whether you're working toward recovery or simply navigating each day to the best of your ability. Having personalized guidance, practical help, and a knowledgeable, empathetic ear doesn't erase the struggles, but it can set you up for a stronger recovery and a more supported path forward. My mission became clear: to ensure no woman has to face these multifaceted challenges alone—from the shock of diagnosis through the rigors of treatment, and especially into that crucial, often overlooked, post-treatment phase.
"My mission became clear: to ensure no woman has to face these multifaceted challenges alone—from the shock of diagnosis through the rigors of treatment, and especially into that crucial, often overlooked, post-treatment phase."
Producer Skills, Reimagined for You
For over 20 years, making complex things run smoothly was my job as a producer. I managed budgets, schedules, and diverse teams for top brands, honing my skills in coordinating resources, anticipating needs, and providing calm, reliable support under pressure. Think of me as a professional problem-solver, skilled at bringing order to chaos and setting up an environment where people feel at ease and things get done efficiently. These are the exact skills I now channel, combined with the deep empathy of lived experience, into something deeply personal. I understand the overwhelm, the fear, the logistical nightmares, and the deep emotional currents. Just as I managed complex productions by breaking them down into manageable parts, I'm ready to help you manage the non-medical complexities of your cancer experience.
These are the exact skills I now channel—which I explore further in my journal post, 'How My Producer Skills Help You Navigate Cancer's Chaos'—combined with the deep empathy of lived experience, into something deeply personal.
My Commitment & A Little About Me Today
My passion is helping you navigate this challenge, breaking it down bit by bit, so you can focus on what truly matters: your healing, well-being, and quality of life. I know firsthand the struggle of trying to make what worked before work during and after treatment.
My own body and needs changed, and while I still love yoga, I've found a new kind of strength lifting heavy weights alongside an amazing community of women. Embracing this change was a great thing for me, and I've also found a new appreciation for what this body is capable of now. These days, you can find me at the gym, walking and playing in the woods with my dog, and spending quality time with friends. These practices remind me of the resilience we all hold.
Your Path Forward Starts Here.
The first step is a complimentary consultation. It’s an initial chat to connect, discuss your needs, and see if my action-oriented approach is the right fit for you.