Michele and Jill have worked together for a year to provide healing opportunities for one another. In their interactions, they lit upon the idea that together, they could combine their strengths and provide experiences for those afflicted by breast cancer. 

“As a breast cancer survivor and yoga practitioner of 20 years, I already knew the power of movement and meditation, which contributed to what my doctor called my ‘remarkable recovery rate’ after surgery,” says Jill, who had a left breast mastectomy in 2023. She is the first woman in Singapore to proudly show her scar on social media and advocate for more open conversations about breast health, wellness, and body positivity.

“I met Michele of The Sirius Sound when I was on my own healing journey,” she says. “I had already made many changes in my life but was looking to address an important aspect of my wellness regime as a survivor – relaxation, stress management, and sleep. 

Michele, who treats cancer patients using sound therapy, and is also a yoga practitioner, adds: “Cancer patients and survivors often experience high levels of stress and anxiety related to their diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and beyond. 

“They can go through intense emotions like fear, anger, or grief. Our intent is to put a focus on wellness modalities that can help them regulate and aid in their journey of healing.”

Besides yoga and sound therapy, participants can join a sharing circle with Jill and two-time cancer survivor, author, and speaker Nikita Wadhwani, who was first diagnosed at age 25.

Jill emphasises that healing is not a linear journey. “The road to healing and wellness can be a winding path, for trauma is not healed in a single moment, but over a stretch of time,” she says. 

With the aim to provide the ‘12 Months of Healing’ ongoing monthly sessions conducted by Jill and Michele, participants get to continue their wellness journey well beyond this event. 

“Many breast cancer awareness events are one-off events, or seem to be contained to the month of ‘Pink October’,” notes Michele. “We intend to see patients and survivors through an entire year of the various challenges that can arise.”

Many such events also often do not have the funding or support to be able to continue beyond the one-off event, adds Michele. As such, proceeds from the October 13 event will go towards the year-long programme. There will also be a donation booth on-site. Jill and Michele will personally match each donation, dollar for dollar, and put all proceeds collected towards funding the ‘12 Months of Healing’ initiative.