Lisa’s Story

“The key to physical well-being is the metamorphosis of mental, emotional and spiritual healing. It’s a transformative journey, like a butterfly that goes through stages of transitioning and eventually reach flight.“

I started running at the age of 44 for health and fitness reasons. One year into my training I already participated in half marathon races (21km) and then decided to take my training to the next level and attempt a full marathon (42km). Running seemed to come naturally to me and I was really good at it as I sometimes ended up on the podium. The last time I ran competitively was at school, so many moons back

A fond memory was watching the comrades together with my dad in the 80’s. I promised my dad, who had been diagnosed with vascular dementia, that I would one day run the comrades. Three years after I started my running journey I did the magnificent comrades race of 87km. I sobbed when the medal was put around my neck for the first time. Not only did I complete comrades in 2017, but also in 2018. My dad congratulated me, it was all worth it and it meant so much.

After running the comrades, my fitness levels escalated and I was placing more often. A major highlight was when I was placed 1st at the Wanderers Aucor half marathon. I was incredibly fortunate to receive sponsorship from Mizuno (a sports clothing company) even though I was not a professional runner and I was chosen to be on the National 21km SA Champions Team (2018). At this point, I knew that it was important to fuel my body more effectively.

I was researching and learning about the benefits of ancient superfoods. I’ve always been mindful of what I put in my body and am an avid believer that nutrient-dense foods extensively support and heals the body. I was feeling stronger, healthier, had more energy, and never had a cold or flu. I became an ambassador for superfoods and even created a platform on Instagram to promote it. (@superfoodstronger)

 My training was going extremely well in 2018, I became the fit and healthy person I envisioned when I first started my running journey. Later that year I felt major concern, as my energy levels suddenly plummeted and I was consistently losing weight even though I was eating healthy and sustainable food that my body needed for the training. I was struggling through races that would usually energize and uplift me.

In January 2019 I found two lumps under my armpit. After visiting my doctor I received a phone call to inform me that the blood tests showed indicators of Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia (CLL). I was advised to make an appointment with a Hematologist as soon as possible. The CT scans confirmed that I had Stage2 Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia. I had cancer in 60% of my bone marrow.

I was shell-shocked, to say the least. I was a healthy ultra-distance runner, how could this be possible?

I was told that I would have 3 days of chemotherapy every 28 days for 6 months and that I would lose all my hair. I was beyond devastated and upset. I questioned whether I was going to survive that amount of chemotherapy. It felt like a death sentence.

I felt so disempowered by the diagnosis, I did not want to lose my identity and become a ‘cancer patient’. I felt as if I had no control or choice about doing the chemotherapy.

I decided to take my power back. I decided to be true to myself.

Poisoning my body to heal made no sense. The chemo would destroy my immune system. Allopathic medicine would help to cure the symptoms of leukemia, but what was the root cause of the disease in my body? No one could answer that for me, so I started looking at my healing journey more holistically.

My experience showed me that healing the cancer was not just a physical issue, but had to be considered from a psychological point of view too. I had to reflect on my emotional, mental, psychosomatic, inner, and spiritual worlds to find out why the disease manifested in my body. Allopathic medicine does not recognise that we are more than just flesh. The healing had to start with me.

I felt compelled to study an accredited Usui Reiki Course through the Reiki Association Of South Africa. I knew nothing about Reiki and little did I know how beneficial it would be on my healing journey. 

Reiki was an incredible teacher to me. It taught me that “dis-ease” is a psychological response that can manifest physically. Negative elements such as bitterness, anger, loss of power, stress, trauma, or environmental factors can have a massive influence on our physical well-being.

I’ve realised that leukemia was possibly a manifestation in my life due to my own negative emotions and perceptions. There were feelings of not being good enough, and those feelings were rooted as a belief in my life. I had dealt with many traumas since my childhood, and I always felt as though I had coped and moved on from them, but actually, the deep emotional shocks were still there… just buried at a hidden level.

I worked with Reiki every day as a self-healing tool to unblock and release some of the deep-rooted beliefs I had about myself. I practised meditation and used a visualisation technique to dispel cancer from my bone marrow.

Together with my knowledge of superfoods, I began eating a wholefood plant-based diet. I made better lifestyle choices by combining Reiki and eating cancer-fighting foods, which resulted in my healing being more efficient and also quicker. Within one month my white blood cell count improved and continually enhanced.

My family and friends were extremely anxious and upset that I have not opted for the chemo and begged me to reconsider. Eventually, I conceded and started with the chemo treatment, but I continued to do the holistic healing. When my hair started to fall out and thin, I was so determined not to lose it, that it started to grow again. It wasn’t an easy time, but I also knew it could have been worse.

After only four months, a bone marrow biopsy showed that I was completely clear of leukemia and I had no cancer in my cells. On average a chemo treatment can take up to six months and then there is still no guarantee that one would be cancer-free. I’m convinced that the path of self-healing assisted in my speedy recovery. I’m also so grateful for the incredible support and prayers I received from my Reiki group that was energetically holding space for my healing and from my husband and daughters who were constantly by my side.

I took responsibility for my healing. I’m not in remission, I am healed!

Reiki was the catalyst for going into other alternative therapies such as Swedish Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Access Bars, and Remedial Sports Massage Therapy. All these therapies are linked to major healing benefits. I wanted to link these therapies to my understanding and experience of healing and offer it to others as a healing platform. This is why I created The Ethereal Butterfly which is symbolic of a spiritual and holistic healing journey and signifies rebirth, evolvement, change, beauty, and joy.