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Gordon Chesy,
Facilitator
Scarsdale Library MS
Support Group
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Mary Ishmael
Holistic Health Counselor
About Me
My desire to serve in the areas of cancer education and patient advocacy,
guidance and support is fueled in large part by my experience as a long term breast
cancer survivor who struggled with the many resource and support gaps which existed
two decades ago when I was undergoing extensive treatment in Virginia. Study, as
well as life and work experience since then, together with my lifelong use of ‘good
ears, open mind and understanding heart’, make me a valuable resource. A
compassionately
woven thread of my life has been championing those in need by sharing my experience,
knowledge and resources, always encouraging the inherent strength and courage I
believe we all possess. My passion is to continue to guide, support and inspire
from my heart, hoping in the process to awaken in others the knowledge that peace
and comfort are always available in even the bleakest moment.
Having completed a course of study at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in
New York City, I take a holistic approach to life in general and personal wellbeing
in particular, understanding that no amount of healthy foods will make us healthy
if we’re not getting enough of what the Institute calls primary food – that is,
regular physical activity, fulfilling work/career, healthy relationships, and a
nurturing spiritual life. When those four ‘primary foods’ are all in balance, along
with good nutrition, then we have a solid foundation for wellness and wholeness.
In addition to studying social work and women’s studies at Virginia’s George Mason
University, my education, experience and perspective have been broadened in the
past thirty years by participating in many personal development and wellness classes,
workshops, seminars and retreats.
My personal experience of having lived with and survived breast cancer is, of course,
a priceless credential in support of my work now with those touched by cancer. To
broaden my knowledge, understanding, and skills in that work, I completed training
for Navigation in Integrative Cancer Care developed by Smith Farm Center for Healing
and The Arts in Washington, D.C. This very innovative ‘cancer navigation’ training
encompassed many subject areas from basics like ‘Oncology 101’ to ‘End-of-Life’
issues, and many other valuable topics in between.
Those experiences and studies, as well as earlier mediation training, direct interaction
with clients as a paralegal and in other public-oriented positions, speaking before
large and small groups, and facilitating breast cancer support groups, have all
strengthened my compassion and ability to relate to others, as well as given me
valuable life skills, knowledge and tools to share. I wholeheartedly invest my energy,
intuition, and wisdom in understanding the needs of others, with the humble intention
of not only helping but also honoring and being fully present to them.
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