Underwater Transformation About Face Underwater Transformation About Face

Huntington Beach Trip for PADI, Dive Warriors, Jared and Xoe

Travel, Uncategorized, Underwater Healer About Face
December 13, 2018/by
It seems like I travel back to the same place twice this year. I was in Grand Cayman twice and Huntington Beach next!! I love traveling to see same people to catch up and build a tighter relationship. Back in September, I was in Huntington Beach to meet a veteran, Jared from Dive Warriors and an accident survivor Xoe to do underwater transformative photo shoot. Also I was happy that PADI asked to contribute a dive trip report with veterans for their blog page. As soon as I arrived to Huntington Beach, I wanted to jump in the ocean. The weather was gorgeous and made me feel at home. So beautiful. I drove to L.A. to see my busy friend, Carlos! It's been awhile. He has been making amazing movies and his work always blows me away. So inspiring. You need a break! Stop working!!! I went back to my AirBnB in Huntington Beach and I saw my host, Don cleaning the pool! This is my second time coming back to his place!! He is super supportive for my campaign. He took care of his pool back in April for 3 breast cancer survivors. I really appreciate how generous and humble he is. I've never met any host like him!! He is always smiling too! (and his hair is awesome) His beautiful kitty and a pup :) Guarding the pool. I went to visit my boyfriend's aunt and uncle who live near by. They fed me Impossible burger!! Thank you Laurie and Ben!! The next day,...
Read Full Story

A tattoo magazine, Inked!!

art show, Underwater Healer About Face
October 10, 2018/by
"Meet the woman who has pioneered a transformative therapy practice and empowers people with underwater portraits as they struggle through their physical and mental turmoil." – Inked I'm happy to announce that my work was published on Inked, a tattoo magazine November issue!! It was an emotional reminder to share my story. I also talked a little bit about my inks in the article :) It means a lot if you guys read it. Please go grab your copy...
Read Full Story

Talks at Cayman Island Cancer Society’s Annual Event!

Travel, Underwater Healer About Face
September 27, 2018/by
After the first trip to Grand Cayman scuba trip in April, I went back to the island two months later to give a talk! I think it was 92F in April so... it's cooler in June... Cayman Island Cancer Society invited me to their annual dinner event in June. I had an opportunity to share my project in front of 250 people and I was thrilled to talk in front of survivors. When I arrived, the operation manager, Jennifer picked me up from the airport. After I dropped my stuff off, we went to meet Dr. Perre who is representing the sponsor for the event. Then we all went to the radio station, Radio Cayman to talk! It's starting soon!!! Introduction from the host... Jennifer starting to mention what's going on for the dinner event... Dr. Perre answering questions about cancer... I also spoke (couldn't take my own photo!) and shared my project! Thank you so much for the opportunity! Then went to have dinner by observation tower... Beautiful mosaic art in the stairway. You feel like you are underwater ~ Then it started raining... Chickens and iguanas are everywhere... The next day is the big day! I practiced a lot for this speech!! They had a army theme... We are ready! One of the cancer survivors I've worked with! Dr. Perre giving me advice!! Let's go! People are coming in!! My talk! You can watch the talk from this link! Next day, I did a photo shoot all day at this pool! The owner had these puppies... Adorable... Lymphoma cancer survivor, Ava. Please see her beautiful images from...
Read Full Story

NiNi – Cerebral Palsy

about, Uncategorized, Underwater Healer About Face, uw portrait
May 6, 2018/by
I met NiNi, one of the cerebral palsy clients from Pomeroy Recreation and Rehabilitation Center. Nini is 38 years old and was born in Rangoon, Burma. She has Cerebral Palsy. It caused during her birth. The doctor couldn't get to the hospital in time, NiNi was suffocating and her body was blue when she came out. In Burma, the doctor didn't take good responsibility back then, no operation, no oxygen equipment and the doctor left the room as soon as he heard NiNi cried. The doctor didn't show up for 3 days after the birth and didn't know that Nini was unconscious for 5 days. When she was one year old, they learned that she had Cerebral Palsy because she couldn't stand, walk and talk. She could stand better when she was 7, but she falls a lot untill this age. The family moved to America in 1989. NiNi joined movement therapy class before she started her school in America. Also they learned that swimming is very good for her balance. Her waist is very weak so walking in the water is the best exercise for her balance. She has been swimming since 1991 and she loves it so much. She wanted to be involved in the Underwater Transformative Photography Project because she likes to challenge and learn new things. Nini waits until the pool clears. She couldn't wait to jump in the water! Mother and daughter :) "I was  so excited in the beginning and it was a little scary. Water felt...
Read Full Story

ICEBAT 2018 International Conference Evidence Based on Aquatic Therapy

about, art show, Travel, Underwater Healer About Face
April 21, 2018/by
April 2018, ICEBAT International Conference Evidence Based on Aquatic Therapy was held in Las Vegas, CA. It was their first time having a conference in United States! I was so ready to show my work, share my story and connect with everybody through our passion. Arrived! So Vegas...I haven't been here for over 20 years! After I checked in my hotel, I had lunch with my friend, Michiko who I haven't seen for over 20 years. So good to see her and catch up! We are both old now but still young inside.. (almost too young) Cold udon was declious! Her husband is a veteran and he is willing to help spreading the word of underwater transformative photography to other veterans. I really appreciate their support! When I got back to the hotel, I had to start setting up my booth. It was challenging to hang the big banner! I feel like I needed something more water texture instead of the brown wall... Always something come up at the last minute! Next day! Starting soon- People are so curious about my project but couldn't tell what it is until I explain to them. I have to have a clear message saying it's a survivors' underwater journey to transform... or something like that? And also I need a video display next time!   The main reason for being at this conference was to meet Dr. Bruce Becker. I admire his research study on warm water and brain. I finally got to meet him in person! I hope to keep in touch...
Read Full Story

Spinal cord injury survivors’ underwater transformation on Abilities.com

about, Uncategorized, Underwater Healer About Face
April 7, 2018/by
“No water, no life. ? No blue, no green.” – Sylvia Earle Abilities.com Abilities connects the disability community to live and online resources that promote greater independence. Underwater therapy combines total immersion with portrait photography to reinvigorate the body and elevate attitudes. Please read the article...
Read Full Story

Transforming into a water dancer

about, Underwater Healer About Face, uw portrait
April 7, 2018/by
"The secret to happiness is freedom...And the secret to freedom is courage" -Thucydides Beast cancer survivor “My name is Laurie. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34 that was already metastatic to my bones. Water has always meant freedom to me. It means the freedom to go somewhere new. A new place to spend a vacation, free from everyday worries. A new place to be creative, free from gravity. A new place in my mind, free from self judgement.” Please read her beautiful story and more images from here. Since after the underwater session, she's been going back to the water 5-6 times a week to enjoy being submerged. I'm happy to hear the result of underwater transformative session changed her life style. She got so many pretty...
Read Full Story

Los Angeles 2017

Travel, Underwater Healer About Face
July 28, 2017/by
Let's go to Los Angeles!! It's been awhile- WooHoo- I love traveling! First stop, Wolf Mountain Sanctuary! One of my bucket list to see beautiful wolves! Hmm...The sign needs to upgrade... It was SO hot out (more than 100F). Wolf said, "Human time..(sigh) my early shift begins with these two...(sigh)" "HEY, heeey human, where are my carrots!!??" I brought carrots (organic!) for them but I was not allowed to feed them at that time :( "HEY human, got it, got it! I'll pose...where are my carrots?" The guide repeatedly told us they are not dogs. But you know....I want one!!! His big face didn't fit for selfie- "Carrots?" There was one more human friendly wolf. She is 15 years old, an oldest wolf at the sanctuary. "Oh hey, human:)" She was a friendly grandma. Just like this! I was so happy to meet 11 wolves. They were rescued from hunting in Alaska and from abusive owners. We found a cafe 247 for lunch. Home made Chiiiips! As soon as I got to the Airbnb, I had to jump in the water to rejuvenate! Next stop, Natural History Museum! Next stop, Anime Expo!!!! Check out the VIZ Media Blog! SO MANY people! I heard it was twice much bigger than last year! At the Food Wars panel, the creator, Yūto Tsukuda had to challenge some American snacks: Spicy Cheetos! It was a huge surprise for me when they played a manga trailer I worked on!!! I got super emotional seeing and hearing fans' reactions. The creator loved it, that means a lot! Thank you so much!...
Read Full Story