A Journey to Whole-Person Healing: From Cancer Diagnosis to Integrative Care

"Sometimes when you're in a dark place, you think you've been buried, but you've actually been planted."

In 2018, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was incredibly grateful to have a caring oncologist and surgeon who worked together to create a conventional treatment plan, which I followed diligently. My journey included six rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, Herceptin, and a partial mastectomy.

But it wasn’t until I attended a Cancer Healing Retreat that I realised there was more to the healing journey than medical treatment alone. We also have a part to play in our healing journey.

At this retreat, facilitated by Canadian oncologist and radiologist Dr. Rob Rutledge and supported by David Maginley, a Canadian chaplain and cancer thriver, I was introduced to the concept of healing that goes beyond the physical. Dr. Rutledge spoke passionately about the mind-body-spirit connection — how, when all three are in alignment, he had witnessed what he could only describe as miracles in his oncology practice.

That retreat changed my life. I met a doctor based at Auckland Hospital passionate about whole health and integrative care. After Covid, a collective came together and we formed- Manawhakaora – Healing Power, a group including oncologists, doctors, radical remission coaches, hospital nutritionist and physiotherapist. All committed to sharing the power of Integrative Cancer Care.

What is Integrative Cancer Care?

According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute:

“Integrative oncology is a patient-centred, evidence-informed field of cancer care that utilises mind-body-spirit practices, natural products, and lifestyle modifications from different traditions, alongside conventional cancer treatments. It aims to optimise health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes, empowering people before, during, and beyond cancer treatment.”

Integrative Cancer Care which is gaining attention worldwide for its ability to enhance quality of life, reduce side effects from cancer treatment and improve cancer outcomes alongside conventional therapies. This is growing field that has being incorporated in international guidelines.  In Britain and the USA Integrative Care therapies have become part of the Cancer Treatment Plan.

In other words, it brings together conventional care, complementary therapies, and self-care to form a holistic, empowering approach.

• Conventional: Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery

• Complementary: Acupuncture, massage, yoga, Reiki

• Self-care: Nutrition, movement, sleep, emotional release, connection, spirituality

The Benefits of Integrative Cancer Care:

• Improves treatment outcomes

• Reduces side effects and long-term effects

• Decreases the risk of recurrence

• Empowers people as active participants in their healing

• Enhances emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing

• Centres care around the whole person, not just the diagnosis

Dr. Kelly Turner, PhD, is the author of Radical Remission and Radical Hope and the founder of the Radical Remission Project. Her research at the University of California, Berkeley, identified 10 common healing factors among those who achieved radical remission. These include:

1. Having strong reasons for living

2. Embracing social support

3. Using herbs and supplements

4. Radically changing diet

5. Releasing suppressed emotions

6. Following intuition

7. Increasing positive emotions

8. Taking control of health

9. Deepening spiritual connection

10. Engaging in frequent physical activity

    
    

A recent Harvard study on the Radical Remission Multimodal Intervention (RRMI) found that it improved the quality of life (QOL) of cancer participants at one-month post-intervention, with sustained benefits at six months (Harvard Medical School, 2022).

The Manawhakaora Workshops

At Manawhakaora, we now run weekend workshops designed for people affected by cancer — whether they’re in treatment, in remission, or seeking to prevent a recurrence. Supporters, family members, and carers are encouraged to attend too.

Our vision is to offer four workshops a year in Auckland, and eventually, across Aotearoa.

We have held workshops in the sacred space of a marae; these workshops honour cultural diversity and spiritual connection. Our most recent workshop was held at Dove House in Auckland. The programme aligned with the values of Dove House and the staff were thrilled with the weekend. 

Workshop topics include:

• Understanding integrative care

• Lets manage stress and anxiety

• Sleeping well

• Healthy emotions and healing emotions

• Releasing emotions

• Gratitude, laughter and awe

• Laughter yoga

• Spirituality, meaning, and purpose

• Eat well- be well

• Movement and breath as medicine

• How to live a balanced life

• Reconnection to self through mindfulness and Qi Gong

Each participant also creates a personalised “My Healing Plan” to guide them after the weekend ends.

Real Stories, Real Transformation

Here’s what past participants have shared:

“This retreat has truly been the best emotional healing medicine ever. I have come away with strategies and tools for self-soothing and managing anxiety around medical appointments.”

“As a support person, I learned so much about how to help others through this journey. Being welcomed onto the marae made it deeply meaningful.”

“This needs to be accessible to all touched by cancer — no matter your postcode. It’s a massive part of the healing journey.”

At our workshop, previous participants have returned to support others. One shared how, after hiding from the world due to a brain tumour, she now lives with renewed energy, beautiful flowing hair, and a mission to give back. The second participant described her journey through a mental reset and now living her very best life, the establishment of a new business, speaking engagements and writing a book.

Accessibility and Future Growth

We are committed to making this healing opportunity available to all — regardless of financial circumstances.

As we grow, we are seeking funding and support to ensure that more New Zealanders can experience this life-changing care.

If you would like to know more, attend a workshop, or support our mission, please reach out:

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Final Thought: Healing is not just about treating disease. It’s about reconnecting with the wisdom of the body, the strength of the spirit, and the power of community. You are not alone on this path — and there is so much hope.

Mobile: Shona Hurndell – 027 442 1900E mail: shona@kimiorahealing.co.nz