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Underwater Healer on NBC Bay Area

Underwater Healer About Face, uw portrait
June 16, 2016/by
Last week brain cancer survivor Maya and I were interviewed live by Robert Handa of NBC Bay Area (KNTV Channel 11) to discuss my Underwater Healer project and her transformation. It aired this past Sunday morning on Asian Pacific America and is finally online to share with you! The interview was incredibly fun and also full of surprises. When I arrived at the studio I discovered it was not a taping, but live! I was a little nervous, knowing there would be no editing if I stumbled my words, but this situation is exactly what I’ve been working towards in my public speaking practice. It was hard, but it turned out great in the end. In addition to the studio interview, NBC followed me to Maya’s underwater shoot to capture  behind-the-scenes of an underwater portrait shoot. I’m so happy I was able to share the entirety of an Underwater Healer project, from start to finish, with others. Maya was a complete pro as well - from her underwater portrait shoot to the interview on Asian Pacific America.  Thank you Maya for sharing your story and transformation with us all! I’m very thankful to Robert and NBC Bay Area for giving me the opportunity to share my Underwater Healer project with their viewers. Be sure to watch the interview below and share with your...
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Inspiring Young Minds

Underwater Healer About Face
April 5, 2016/by
As you may remember, one of my resolutions for 2016, is to increase my speaking engagement frequency - and yes, still aiming for that TED Talk! I’m so excited to tell you that am speaking at not one, but two, college photography classes this month! First, I’ll be speaking at City College San Francisco in mid-April, and shortly thereafter at City College San Jose. I’m excited to share my passion with young, budding photographers. My work, and my Underwater Healer project, has evolved so much over the years. I’ve learned and grown so much. I’m excited to share a few of the lessons I’ve learned and hopefully inspire THEM to tell their own empowering stories. Hopefully this is a great opportunity for me and the students alike and that they will also find an interest in my project sharing survivor stories. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll find myself leading them in a workshop because they discovered an interest in underwater photography! The possibilities are endless. I’m also happy to try out some of my new-found presentation skills and tips I learned at a public speaking workshop I attended earlier this year! I am taking my resolution very seriously and am proud at myself for accomplishing what I have so far this year. I have a few more surprises in the works that will bring me even closer to my goal. Stay tuned, only good things are...
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San Diego Update: Cancer Survivor + Maternity Shoot!

Travel, Underwater Healer About Face
February 24, 2016/by
As you read last week, I am headed to San Diego March 12 - 14 for two transformational underwater shoots. I’m excited to announce a third portrait session has been scheduled, a first for me - a lovely couple who is expecting their first child and the father-to-be is a two-time Testicular Cancer survivor! Scott and Mandy are thrilled for their upcoming photo session.  Scott, who beat Stage 4 Testicular Cancer in 1999 and Stage 2 in 2004, and Mandy, who is expecting May 15th, have many reasons to celebrate and participate in my Underwater Healer project.  They were told they had less than 1% chance to conceive.  But thanks to hope, good energy, doctors and the modern practice of IVF, Mandy is now pregnant!  A very expensive undertaking, a GoFundMe page was created and successful helped fund the expensive procedure. Mandy and Scott have expressed how excited they are for their upcoming photo shoot and what they are looking forward to the most.  Scott says: “One way I can explain the feeling of cancer was the feeling of being trapped, secluded, and confined.  I was in the hospital for weeks at a time and sometimes so confined that I couldn't get out of bed.  Only immediate family members could come in the room after they were gowned up and cleaned; much like quarantine.  The freedom, calm, and limitless possibility of movement being underwater brings me happiness and takes me so far away from the confines of cancer and those dark memories.” They both...
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Looking to 2016

Underwater Healer About Face
December 23, 2015/by
It’s unbelievable to think that 2016 is less than 10 days away!  Last week I looked back at 2015 and some of my most dear moments.  This week, I want to look forward to 2016 and what I aim to accomplish. I’m setting a personal goal to speak more in 2016.  Two of my three most favorite 2015 moments were speaking engagements and I want to continue to grow myself as a public speaker.  Not only do I want to reach people at the far corners of the world - inspire them with stories of courage, strength and beauty - but I also want to challenge myself.  I want to grow as an orator.  I have met with a speaking coach and am excited to push myself to overcome any nerves and polish my presentation style.  I love talking to groups and want to speak to even larger audiences.  Whether it be an Apple Store presentation, speaking at a university or organization, I am enthusiastic to see what keynote opportunities arise and seek them out even more in 2016. My biggest goal that I am working towards is to present a TED talk.  It’s not an easy feat, only 50 speakers are chosen each year at the conference, but I believe in myself.  I know that with practice and preparation I can share my story of Underwater Healer and the transformation of the survivors to a global audience.  I’m optimistic that in 2016 I will present a local TEDx talk, a...
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Giving Thanks

Underwater Healer About Face
November 25, 2015/by
Before I share my wonderful news, I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past 2.5 years.  To my amazing clients, supporters, friends and family, know that I am thankful for you.  Not only this week, but forever and always. I am excited to announce that for the first time, I was interviewed by Japanese media!  On Saturday, at the World Affairs Council, Magic Bell TV of Los Angles filmed me for an upcoming segment.  I am thrilled to have spoken about my life, my Underwater Healer project and my client experiences in Japanese for the very first time!  I am humbled and appreciate how supportive the interviewer was of my project.  She said was felt very inspired and told me to keep talking to the world, which is exactly what I plan to do.  My hope is that this interview leads to more opportunities outside of the US and in Japan. I am also happy to share that after the interview, I assisted underwater photographer Ikeya Tomohide!  As you read last week, I very much admire his work and am incredibly thankful I had the opportunity to assist him and learn from such a master.  We began at 5:30 PM at Anderson’s Scuba in Pacifica and ended at 2:30 AM the next morning!  I and a second underwater assistant were responsible for setting up the background fabric, scuba gear, being a test model to check the lighting and the camera setting.  It took many...
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Underwater Healer is BACK at the San Francisco Apple Store 10/8/15

Underwater Healer About Face
September 30, 2015/by
I’m excited to announce that next week, October 8th at 6 PM, I’ll be hosting another event at the San Francisco Apple Store on Stockton.  Please come (and bring friends!) to hear all about my Underwater Healer Project, see photos from my many cancer survivor photo shoots and find out how you can get involved and be a supporter.  I’m so excited to be back at the San Francisco Apple Store.  I can’t wait to see you there and answer any questions you might have. It’s been a busy three weeks filled with not one, not two, but three underwater shoots!  I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with some fantastic, beautiful individuals - both survivors and supporters of my Underwater Healer project.  I have so much to catch you up on, but for now lets rewind to September 12th. My first San Jose shoot two weekends ago allowed be to work with two beautiful cancer survivors - Eden and Alysha.  I knew the shoot was going to be magical when both of the ladies showed up wearing mermaid pants.  Eden, a two time Wilm’s Tumor survivor and currently battling congestive heart failure felt very insecure about her many surgery scars.  I’m happy to report that after her shoot with she said felt full and beautiful, which is exactly the result I aim for with all my clients. Also sharing the pool with Eden was Alysha, a Papillary Thyroid cancer who underwent a complete thyroidecomy.  Her treatments have left her fatigued and issues...
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Palm Springs Trip Report

about, Travel, Underwater Healer About Face, uw portrait
September 29, 2015/by
Palm Springs Trip Report September 18-20, 2015 Underwater Healer About Face in Palm Springs! This is my first time traveling to Palm Springs! I was super excited to find out about this new place! A little about PS trip: A 3 time cancer survivor and my good friend Nancy is one of the supporters for this project. When I approached her for this year's photos shoot, she was happy to do it! But she wanted to pay her own session and take me to her best friend, Don's house in Palm Springs because he has a beautiful pool! And I can reach out to other survivors. Thank you so much for this opportunity, Nancy!   I can't believe she designed this house!! http://www.homteamdesign.com/modern1--palm-springs-ca.html 今月は忙しい日々が続きました！これからパルムスプリングスで３人のサバイバーと水中撮影をしにいってきます。今回のアバウトフェイスの旅は少し違って、 ３人の中の一人は私の親友なんです。３回のがんから克服したとてもパワフルなファイターです。今年の水中撮影プロジェクトの誘ったとき、自分の分は払いた いと言ってきました。しかもパルムスプリングに住んでいる彼女のベストフレンドの家のオリンピックサイズプールでやりたいとの事。私の飛行機代も払ってく れました。彼女は私にもっと他のサバイバーに会えるようにと願ってお金をきふしてくれたんです。この家は彼女がベストフレンドの為にデザインしたそうです。本当映画にでてくるような家でした Beautiful friends, delicious dinner, tasty drinks and full of love! It's my dream land to wake up and swim everyday... Photo shoots with beautiful survivors went really well! Photos are coming soon! DATES!! I bought dates from Palm Springs for my co-workers! They are so...
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Boston Trip Report

about, art show, Travel, Underwater Healer About Face, uw portrait
July 28, 2015/by
Boston Trip Report This was my Boston office for few days!! I'm missing it! I met Chien-Chi, a breast cancer survivor at 7:30-8:30am We connected in the water instantly! I met Katie at 8:30-9:30. She had her own mermaid tail from Hawaii! She did a beautiful job in the water! I met Kim at 9:30-10:30. She was nervous at first but look at this! She looks so natural! ' Next day, I had a presentation at Apple Store on Boylston street. I was super nervous as always. I had a different speaking coach this time and I practiced a lot before I left for Boston! The event was successful! It was the most emotional and impactful presentation I've ever had! It was so nice to hear everyone talking about this project. My heart was full with happiness!     I made these cranes for Boston people to wish them good luck and feel better. Next day, I had a maternity photo shoot with Vicky and Charles. They came from NY to support for my project. They helped me so much when I had a ABOUT FACE project in NY in 2013 We had lunch at The Neighborhood Restaurant in Somerville. I came here twice and I really liked it! I was recommended to go to Spanish restaurant, Dali. I was introduced to delicious wince, La Cana. I stopped by at this normal looking Sushi place. AND they were amazing!! So fresh! I always walked by at this local bar with bunch of alcoholics at...
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Apple store underwater healer event in Santa Monica

about, Underwater Healer About Face, uw portrait
April 6, 2015/by
Apple store underwater healer event in Santa Monica It was such an amazing experience being in Los Angeles to give a presentation on our campaign, Underwater Healer About Face, help cancer survivors rediscover their beauty through underwater portrait photoghraphy. I've done this last year at SF Apple store location but I still have a fear towards public speaking! practice practice... Ok, time is up! I'm going to do this! I was happy to meet new people, see old friends and co-workers! I showed some of the creative underwater shots. This is an underwater BJJ. The images were featured on Fightland, VICE and printed on the February and March Issue. I also want to thank Fightland for the contribution to support our future underwater healer project to help cancer survivors! Thank you! I shared a story of one of the 13 cancer survivors, Amber from Hawaii. She survived from Thyroid cancer when she was 20 years old. Chelsea is a pediatric cancer survivor. She was diagnosed brain cancer when she was 8 years old. She shared her story and an underwater experience to inspire the audience. The presentation was successful! For the Q&A session, I asked them what they thought of our campaign. Erin is a professional underwater photographer. She gave us positive comments and encouragements for the future project! It meant so much to us. Thank you so much for your support, Erin! Diane is a BJJ practitioner (purple belt) and a medical school student. By hearing from a future doctor, her opinion meant so much for all...
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Underwater Yoga Portrait Session from Maui

about, Travel, Underwater Healer About Face, uw portrait
March 2, 2015/by
Underwater Yoga Portrait Session from Maui I'm back on the mainland and still spreading the ALOHA spirit!! I'm finally uploading images of underwater yoga portraits from Maui retreat! We all had a great time underwater. I'm missing everybody... Our annual happy baby pose! Also Matrix!! I'm going back there in January, 2016 for the same underwater yoga portrait session in Maui. Underwater group portrait photography is included in the package, everyone!! You can reserve a spot by contacting Lisa Danylchuk http://howwecanheal.com/retreat-with-me/ You can also see other Maui photos from here https://underwaterhealer.com/about/2015-maui-yoga-retreat I hope to see you guys in...
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