Yoga for Cancer

Practice in remembrance

Owner and instructor Karen lost both parents to Cancer and has a particular connection to those who are suffering from this disease, have survived cancer, or who have lost someone to this illness. In 1999, Karen lost her beloved father, Louis Kirschner (A"H) to Lymphoma. In 2001 she ran the Chicago Marathon in her dads memory and raised over $46,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In 2006, Karen’s mother, Sylvia Kirschner (A"H), was diagnosed with and quickly died from Leukemia. Karen was given the opportunity to offer her mother some comfort in the hospital through the gift of yoga.

Every Saturday, Better Bodies offers yoga classes free of charge for anyone whose life has been affected by cancer in memory of Karen’s parents.

Fundraising efforts
Additionally, Better Bodies spearheaded what became a community wide fundraising event with several other yoga studios in Memphis called, “Saluting the Spirit ~ Yoga for Cancer” for two consecutive years with 100% of the funds donated to the Wings Cancer Foundation. Yoga for Cancer will return this summer in COVID-safe fashion and more information will be available in the coming weeks.

Healing labyrinth
Our serene Yoga Garden behind our second studio was also inspired by the Healing Labyrinth at Duke Alternative Medicine, where Karen taught therapeutic training to cancer students. When the garden is not in use, Karen opens and encourages all patrons of the studio to bring a book and take advantage of this magnificent outdoor space.