2012 COWGIRLS VS. CANCER
Healing with Horses and Yoga
Through Cowgirls vs. Cancer, Big Sky Yoga Retreats provides scholarships to yoginis who have experienced the physical, emotional and financial hardships of breast cancer. 2012 is our third year, and thanks to the generosity of everyone we work with at Cowgirl Yoga, we are dedicating an entire retreat to Cowgirls vs. Cancer this year, for 8 scholarship recipients (scroll down to meet them!). This healing and rejuvenating retreat provides something positive to look forward to, and helps the cancer kickin' cowgirls to regain an internal sense of peace and balance. Our hope is that through fundraising efforts, we can raise enough money to make several breast cancer survivors Cowgirl Yoginis every year. Please help us make a difference in the fight against cancer by purchasing a Cowgirl tee (scroll down). Or in cowgirl lingo - help us kick cancer's ass. Yeehaw & Namaste!
Hats off to our 2011 cancer kickin' cowgirls!
read their stories here
We will accept nominations for our 2013 program
in October, 2012.
A cowgirl-sized thank you to Athleta for providing our
scholarship recipients with a Gift Card for Cowgirl Yoga shopping, plus a special gift.
HOW TO HELP
Giddy Up & Get your Cowgirl tee
Big Sky Yoga Retreats has teamed up with ChewyLou Designs and retreat alumna Alyssa Dinowitz to create the "Cowgirl" tee.
Price is $34. Long-sleeved tee in chocolate and pink, with pink writing. The front simply says "COWGIRL". The sleeve has the CY "brand", with a hand-embellished Swarovski crystal. And the back spells it all out:
All proceeds from the sale of this tee will go to our Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship fund, dedicated to paying tuition and travel costs for Cowgirl Yoga scholarship recipients. So start shopping - buy one for yourself, your mom, your sister, your friends, anyone you know who wants to be a Cowgirl! Full scoop on the Cowgirl tee here (sizing, shipping, returns, etc.)
ABOUT AMANDA
2012 Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipient
On January 10, 2006 at the age of 27 I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). I endured neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, Herceptin infusions for one year, a mastectomy, additional chemotherapy, radiation and 6 reconstructive surgeries. Because of my unique story, triumphant recovery, and complicated diagnosis, I was featured on the Discovery Health Network television show called “Mystery Diagnosis.” I served as the 2009 Honorary Survivor at the 14th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, San Diego. I speak at High Schools and College Campuses throughout California and write a column/ blogs for The Keep A Breast Foundation. I was recently introduced to yoga by Claire Petretti, and would not have dreamed of applying for a yoga retreat a year ago - I thought yoga was for hippies! Claire has opened my eyes to a whole new world. My mom and boss have been trying to enlighten me for years but once I stepped foot into Claire's Restorative class, something clicked. Was it because she was my breast cancer sister? Who knows! Now, I encourage everyone to try yoga & recently was in Claire's CANCER FOR YOGA RECOVERY DVD. I admire & respect horses, but I can count on one hand how many times I have been on one. I have always loved the look of Cowgirls and watched a ton of westerns but never really fit the bill.
Upon celebrating my 5 year cancer free anniversary, I decided to try new things and share my experiences with others in hopes to demystify things like Yoga and Qigong. I would love to write about this Cowgirl Yoga experience and share the benefits of animal therapy and yoga therapy with others. “Yeehaw & Namaste” sound like the opportunity and best adventure of a lifetime.
ABOUT AMY B. & SUSAN B.
2012 Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipient
Amy is a retreat alumna, who nominated herself
and her sister-in-law Susan
In November of 2010, my sister-in-law, Susan, was diagnosed with breast cancer. We are 2 of the 6 directors of Camp Deerhorn. When Susan was diagnosed, she took a camp brochure to her first appointment with her oncologist and said “This is what I love to do, and I need to do it for the next 30 years, so let’s beat this.” Then in March of 2011, just after Susan had finished chemo, I was diagnosed with breast cancer as well. Our family was in disbelief. Surgery, chemo, and radiation followed, and Susan was there for me every step of the way. Her optimism was such a source of strength for me throughout the whole process. Everything I went through, she understood like no one else could.
Yoga has always helped me to be present in my life, and I turned to yoga a lot during treatment, to counteract the stress and tension that cancer brings to your body and to bring focus and peace in the midst of utter chaos. I would love to bring Susan some of that peace as well.
“Yeehaw” seems like the cowgirl’s version of “Let’s get ‘er done!” Namaste has always held special meaning for me, as it means “The spirit in me honors the spirit in you.” Susan and I have become incredibly close in spirit and have traveled this journey together, and have come out the other side. A Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship will be the perfect victory celebration.
ABOUT AMY P.
2012 Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipient
Nominated by friends Taryn & Lisa
In 2010, at the age of 31, Amy discovered a tumor in her breast while nursing her 6 month old daughter. In the whirlwind year that followed, Amy underwent chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, and radiation treatments. She is still battling breast cancer today and remains the most beautiful, outspoken, and courageous woman I know. In testament to her character, “Team Amy” raised over $10,000 for BC research/services through Komen’s Race for the Cure, and Amy was recently featured on the NFL network’s BC awareness PSA. At the onset of her treatment, Amy found time for yoga amidst a demanding schedule. I saw the peace that her practice brought to her during those trying and uncertain times. Now she navigates frustratingly familiar terrain, with a body that feels very different from the one she came to love yoga in. The Cowgirl Yoga Retreat would give Amy the space to revive her practice in a safe, nurturing, and inspirational environment.
Amy truly embodies the sentiment behind “Yeehaw & Namaste.” She greets each day with astonishingly positive energy and a terrific sense of humor. She also strives to embrace that “still, small voice within.” Amy blossoms in new situations, loves the great outdoors, and is optimistic about her future. It makes my heart swell to think of her riding the range and saluting the sun.
ABOUT AMY S.
2012 Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipient
Nominated by Girls Gone Cycle
Amy is a multiple occurrence breast cancer survivor who is an inspiration to others. As a fitness and yoga instructor, there are multitudes who have been encouraged and inspired by Amy’s positive attitude. In January 2007, Amy was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Midway through the year of chemotherapy, she had a double mastectomy and full rebuild. Through the entire ordeal Amy fought back by staying fit. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, she had participated in triathlons, cycling and running races. In 2008, she discovered yoga and began incorporating it into her fitness routine. Also in 2008, she co-founded a women’s cycling group to encourage women of all ages and fitness levels to get active and stay healthy. Girls Gone Cycle has grown into an incredible group of women who encourage and support each other in life and in their fitness goals. The group has been shaped by Amy’s nurturing and encouraging nature that brings out the best in everyone. It is the 169 members of Girls Gone Cycle who are proud to nominate Amy for this retreat.
In June 2010, Amy found a lump under her arm. It was removed, but the staph infection after the surgery nearly killed her. She has been cancer free since that time. Yeehaw to Amy means doing a duathlon (run, bike, run) 10 days after her first surgery. She has unbounded persistence and perseverance and even cancer couldn’t stop her. The concept of Namaste can be witnessed in Amy’s dealings with everyone she meets. She respectfully meets them at their level so that they may rise together.
ABOUT KATHLEEN
2012 Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipient
Nominated by her sister Kimberly
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In the 10 years I have watched my sister battle many obstacles, she has shown a warrior's heart and a triumphant soul. Kathleen has 3 girls, Grace, Ella and Clara (10, 7, and 4 respectively); she has battled for her life and family over and over. Grace was born blind but now can see (Amazing Grace). Sarah was born asleep, Ella came as a welcome surprise, then she lost another daughter in pregnancy. 60 hours after Clara’s birth, barely alive, Kathleen was rushed to surgery to evacuate a massive hemorrhage. She awoke in the ICU on a ventilator, 57 staples down her belly, minus a uterus and a long way from recovery. When Clara was 7 months old, Kathleen was told she had multi-focal bilateral breast cancer and needed a double mastectomy.
Kathleen is a strong rider. She loves the freedom and joy that horseback riding brings. We grew up within walking distance of a stable, and she would often walk down to visit the horses or just help around the farm.
Yoga is an integral part of her day, everyday. She runs marathons and ultramarthons and is always energetic; yoga is her balance. Her laugh is magical, her smile contagious.
Yeehaw would mean a day on the farm and swimming under the moonlight. Kathleen is a Prana or “Vital Life” personality, but to her Namaste may mean, “thank you for sharing today with me.”
ABOUT KAYLE
2012 Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipient
Nominated by her friend Chandra
Photo by Elizabeth Murray
In 2008, while caring for her grandparents in Oklahoma, away from the comforts of home, Kayle was diagnosed with Stage II invasive ductal andenocarinoma at age 30. Following a lumpectomy, she fought cancer through a holistic regimen including naturopathy, acupunture, green juicing, a raw/vegan diet, and her determined, ass-kicking cowgirl attitude! A year later a routine MRI again revealed cancer. With her "yeehaw" (Kayle-speak for "bring it on!") outlook, she underwent a unilateral mastectomy, started reconstructive surgery, endured 5 months of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation, all while wearing her sacred cowgirl boots. Four surgeries under her cowgirl belt, her final wrangle with cancer (surgery five) is set for early 2012.
Raised on a farm in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, she inherited a love of horses and began trail riding at three, was winning blue ribbons in hunter jumper competitions at ten, and by twelve, was a guide at a dude ranch. "There's no feeling in the world like being on a horse", says Kayle.
An inherent giver, Kayle learned to rely on the support of others during treatments, embracing the true meaning of Namaste. Cancer never broke her sparkly spirit, nor did she break committments or stop her caring for others. She led holistic treatment discussions via national radio and at her local hospital. Ever so desrving, Kayle would benefit enormously from fulfilling her dream of riding under big skies, connecting with amazing cancer-kicking women, and restoring her upper body's limited range-of-motion through her continued yoga practice.
ABOUT JANE
2012 Cowgirls vs. Cancer scholarship recipient
Nominated by Girls Gone Cycle
Jane was born with a heart defect, and at the age of 2 she underwent an experimental open-heart surgery for coarctation of the aorta. She had that aorta replaced in 2003 with a cow valve. In April of 2010, she spent a week in the hospital after the first of 3 heart ablations. Shortly after that, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy. It was determined after this surgery that it would be in her best interested to have a double mastectomy; she had to wait until after her second heart ablation to have surgery which finally happened in December 2010. In June 2011 she was able to have reconstruction surgery, then her third and hopefully final heart ablation. Jane has also had various other forms of cancer prior to her breast cancer diagnosis. She is now cancer free.
In 2009, Jane started practicing yoga. Yeehaw for Jane is early morning power yoga. Jane co-founded and leads a women’s cycling group in Erie, PA called Girls Gone Cycle.
Jane would benefit from this retreat by being surrounded by other strong women who enjoy yoga and have found inner peace through it.
Yeehaw and Namaste.
Congratulations to the 2012 cancer kickin's cowgirls!
Read about our 2011 Cowgirls vs. Cancer
scholarship recipients here
Read about our 2010 Cowgirls vs. Cancer
scholarship recipients here