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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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Headed to San Diego!

Travel
February 18, 2016/by
I’m thrilled to announce I’m headed to San Diego!  From March 12th - 14th I’ll be in sunny SoCal to shoot two tattooed mastectomy survivors in collaboration with Shane Wallin, founder of Mastectomy Tattoo!  Shane leads a tattoo studio built for breast cancer survivors to reclaim what cancer has taken from them. He does an amazing job and I am so excited to work with him and two of his tattoo recipients. The first mastectomy tattoo survivor is Juanita, a San Diego native. A two-time breast cancer survivor, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 in 1987 when she discovered a lump on her left breast while pregnant with her third child.  In 2010, Stage 2 breast cancer struck again, this time on her right breast.  She first saw mastectomy tattoos on Pink Ink Fund.  She was so happy to see pictures of tattoos covering the scars of surgery she cried.  She was joyful to know there is beauty after breast cancer. Juanita wants to participate in an underwater portrait shoot to help her mentally and physically cleanse her soul. She now knows there is beauty after breast cancer and wants to let women, men and children of all nationalities know there is hope and peace within. She dedicates her shoot to all woman who have battled breast cancer, especially those who died fighting.  She says, “Cancer breaks you down in all kinds of ways, but if you are strong we can conquer anything” and I agree!  I can’t wait to meet...
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2016 Hawaii Trip Report

about
February 12, 2016/by
I arrived on the Aloha island and started driving on the familiar road. And of course always with an island vibe, Reggae music! This is my 3rd year coming back to Lumeria, the most beautiful retreat center in Maui. We'll be staying here for 4 days! I remember this guy!! He loves chips too-  He was drooling all over the place! (just like me) Lisa's yoga retreat in Maui is always fun! We always connect our minds and souls. A delicious welcome dinner WITH... MERMAID COCONUT RUM!! Lisa's mom was my awesome roommate! Thank you, Lynette! Food was delicious as always! We had a great underwater photo shoot with everyone and I presented a slide show on the projector. Perfect space to hang out, laugh and eat donuts on the sticks!! yes, donuts on the sticks!!! I also got to meet my friend Kimi for a little bit. She is a busy gal! We always have fun underwater! Beautiful beaches... After Maui, I flew to Oahu by myself. I met my friend Amber at Coffee Gallery. Amber and George are engaged! Congratulations!! See you in July! I went to visit her work in Turtle Bay. She hooked me up with a delicious meal!! And a beautiful sunset! She called it, FIRE BALL. Instead of scuba diving, I did snorkeling tour to see dolphins.  We saw whales! Aaaaaand dolphins! I saw them underwater but not that close... Turtles are always beautiful. and sloooooooow I was also exploring on land. I went on a gorgeous hike, walking in between the beautiful mountains and the ocean. I loved it! Wiiiiii- (not me up...
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Valentine’s Day Special – How Deep Is Your Love?

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February 3, 2016/by
It’s been a crazy start to 2016.  January was a rollercoaster of laughter, sadness and accolades - just like life.  What will February bring? In honor of what I expect to be wonderful month, and because I love Love, I am announcing a Valentine’s Day promotion! Saturday, February 13th in San Jose, CA, I'm offering a mini package for $250 (that's almost 50% off the full package)!  Show that special someone how deep your love is by diving in with them for an underwater portrait shoot.  It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, engagement shoots or simply just because.  So if you’ve been unsure what to get that special someone this is a perfect last minute option. But act fast, there are four spots available! Also, as an added bonus, a portion of the money will go towards funding three San Diego survivors underwater shoots in March. So not only are your sharing your love with a special someone but also spreading the love.  What a better way to spend Valentine’s Weekend than accomplishing those two things? If you, or anyone you may know, is interested, please contact me for booking.  And don’t forget, if February 13th doesn’t fit into your schedule, I am open for bookings other dates.  Please reach out and I am happy to work with your...
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How We Can Heal Maui Yoga Retreat 2016 Recap

Travel
January 27, 2016/by
I can’t believe the How We Can Heal Maui Yoga Retreat has come and gone!  I had an amazing time of relaxation and meditation with a wonderful group of people.  We laughed so much this past week - we all have amazing memories that we have taken home.  In fact, we had so much fun we forgot to take yoga pictures!  But have no fear, we did take underwater portraits!  You saw a few sneak peeks earlier this week on Facebook (see below!), stay tuned for more! I wanted to share feedback I received from two of the retreat participants.  It warms my heart to hear I have made a difference in someone’s life and also confirms I am on the right path with my work.  Feedback is critical and I am so thankful for their kind words! First is Participant A, who had a strong fear of water. Notice, I said had! :) “I was very apprehensive about the underwater photography session because I've always had a very strong fear of having my head under water. Erena has a wonderful gentle, beautiful spirit that touched me and helped me want to try to face and overcome my fear. I've come back to the yoga retreat for 3 years--and getting to work with Erena to face my fear was a major part of why I wanted to keep coming to Lumeria.  I Just finished my third year and I had so much fun in the water-- and more importantly, I feel so...
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In Memory of Nancy Hom

about
January 13, 2016/by
It is with a heavy heart that I share Nancy Hom, three time cancer survivor and a donor to my Underwater Healer project for three years, has passed.

  Nancy was a fighter in every sense.  First diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 16, she completed her treatment and chemotherapy while finishing college.  At age 44, she was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which was caught early on and removed.  This past year, she entered her third fight: stage 4 colon cancer.  Initially diagnosed as inoperable, Nancy proved yet again she was a fighter and completed chemotherapy and underwent an operation.  I know of no one else who has show such courage, strength and beauty.  She was a rare, special soul and I am blessed to have known her and spent time with her.  I saw her two days before she passed away and she told me she dreamed she was directing me on which portion of her underwater shoot to use in my video presentation.  She will be the boss forever - my beautiful mermaid and my sparring boxing partner! Nancy was the most wonderful supporter you could ever ask for.  She supported my work with cancer survivors for three years and shared her story and of my work to many. She even spoke publicly at the San Francisco Apple Store Event in October, 2015 about her experience and transformation.  In her testimonial, she mentioned the peace she found while underwater during our time together.  While I, her family and friends will...
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Sardines

about
January 7, 2016/by
You may find it hard to believe, but I’m an introvert. When I made my 2016 resolution to speak more and do a TED talk one day, it shows how far I’ve come speaking to others and how much further I want to take myself. When I moved to the U.S. from Japan in 1989, the language barrier created enormous anxiety.  Words frightened me.  I excelled at sports and math (except word problems!) but English classes instilled so much fear in me that I started talking less and less.  Eventually I turned into a shy child, unlike my former self in Japan. But, at age 40, I decided it was time to turn that around.  While I am comfortable behind the camera and interacting with clients one on one, I decided to transform that shy child into a bonafide public speaker.  Thanks to Underwater Transformation, I’ve been lucky to have been interviewed by many media outlets all over the world.  Trust me, it’s isn’t easy.  Every time I speak, my stomach feels like I have those little sardines you see swimming in swarms at the aquarium in it (you may call them butterflies, but as a child of water they are fish to me!).  Just last month I was interviewed by Helpsy, and even with all the interviews I have done, I still got nervous. I sometimes find myself asking the interviewers to send their questions via email.  It not only gives me more time to answer the questions, but it helps...
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Underwater Healer Now Listed on Helpsy!

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December 30, 2015/by
Over the past three years, I’ve been blessed to have been able to influence so many cancer survivors’ lives. I am thankful that my talents are used to help others transform from pain to joy. Because of this, I am excited to say that I have a new outlet to reach cancer survivors and help make a difference!   Introducing Helpsy - a solution for cancer patients to assist them in finding the best solution for their health needs. Still in beta mode, Helpsy is part of UCSF’s Lean Launchpad program and Stanford’s Entrepreneurship Program. Patients use their online service to help determine the most effective therapies, then help guide them through all health systems and care options in their area. They not only connect patients with care providers, but also with other patients to help them build additional supportive relationships. I’m happy to announce that I am one of their first therapy practitioners! As a visual therapist on Helpsy, I am able to share my Underwater Healer project with a very large network of patients in need in the Bay Area. As you can see in my provider profile, it shares my background and experience, education, and lets patients book a session with me online. Convenient and informational all in one. It’s very exciting to be part of a new project that was founded to make a profound difference in people’s lives and wellbeing. I encourage all of you to check out Helpsy, especially if you have health needs and are...
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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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2015 in Review

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December 16, 2015/by
I can’t believe 2015 is almost over!  This year was full of amazing events, strong survivors, and beautiful clients.  And while each one is special to me, I wanted to remember three especially poignant moments from the last twelve months. First, I receive so much joy when I think back to my trip to Boston.  Not only did I have four underwater shoots with four lovely women (one of whom is now a beautiful mommy and one of my biggest supporters!), but I also gave a presentation at the Apple Store on Bolyston Street.  The turnout was incredible and you could feel the emotions as I spoke.  The crowd was so enthusiastic about my project and spoke with such excitement - my heart was, and still is, full of happiness from it all. Second, the San Francisco Apple Store event in October was truly unbelievable.  So many friends, supporters and About Face cancer survivors came out to support my presentation.  It was awe inspiring to have so many survivors share their testimony unasked and unexpectedly.  It was by far my most emotional event to date.  It meant so much to me to not only hear your kinds words of how much your life has been positively impacted by the Underwater Healer project, but to also share them to a crowd.  Thank you with all my heart. Last, but certainly not least, would be my supporters over the year who have booked maternity, engagement, or just fun underwater portrait sessions.  Every single one...
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