Imagine; you are a health conscience, energetic and outgoing 38-year-old. In the name of sisterhood, you are actively involved in Breast Cancer fundraising and as a health and wellness professional, you maintain a well-balanced life. You've said the word cancer over and over in speeches and in conversations with the brave battlers and their loved ones. But, for the first time, the finger is pointed at you; the word is said to you. Cancer. You courageously stand at the battle line.

For many, being diagnosed with breast cancer knocks the wind out of you. It stuns you in an unimaginable and unforgettable way. For Jackie Savi-Cannon, a fog of disappointment and self-doubt made it impossible for her to find her confidence. She thought her career as a health and wellness professional was over, "How would anyone take me seriously? Here I was, the wellness guru, and I have cancer."

The fog of self-doubt lingered only a short time. Jackie gathered her resources as an educator and simply came to terms with the bold fact that she had to experience cancer responsibly. There was no turning back. "If this was the path I was meant to take, I was going to get the most I could out of it." She refused to be considered a victim of cancer. "I believe in empowering yourself when you are challenged. It is fear that leads us to believe that cancer treatment is difficult, disfiguring and depressing. In some ways this is true but if we allow ourselves to look beyond that, there is a world of possibilities."

With a newfound strength cursing through her cancer-stricken veins, Jackie connected with her deepest sense of self. She let her intuition guide her through this impromptu journey, using her life experiences as a map. Everything I had learned and experienced in life had lead and prepared me for this moment. "There was a hurricane of emotions that I did my best to acknowledge and deal with. The journey is long once you are diagnosed. I would feel strong and empowered one minute and then scared and broken the next. It was difficult some times to pace myself and process the mental and physical turmoil."

Keeping an eye on hidden opportunities for growth that only a woman in this exact situation could fathom, Jackie was inspired to create new resources for her sisterhood so that they, too, could thrive during and after cancer. Restoring the Spirit Yoga DVD and Meditations for Restoring the Spirit CD allows patients to see it is possible to feel healthy and empowered during such a difficult medical challenge. Her workshops extended to oncologists and nurses, and they gained her credibility within the medical community.

"They [the medical community] are extremely supportive of these resources that will help a patient cope with the long and difficult road of treatment. There are many styles of Yoga practice. I believe any style is appropriate if you are able to experience the many benefits. There are also many ways of modifying a practice to allow for various medical considerations such as loss of range of motion, energy level, nausea, focus and balance. Simple deep breathing techniques have been proven to remove toxins from the body, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress and anxiety. The active movement of yoga postures helps maintain strength, endurance,flexibility, coordination, and balance."

Today, Jackie is cancer-free. With a live it, learn it attitude, she actively continues to host a variety of seminars, from Achieving Progressive Leadership, Corporate Culture and the Role We Play, to Balanced Living. She teaches of empowering yourself during times of trouble, gaining the necessary life skills to cope with stress in the workplace, and healing and restoring your spirit. In addition, she hosts a valuable workshop that allows participants to understand and appreciate the power of yoga.

On October 29, 2008, Jackie is celebrating her book release, The Pink Notes a raw and honest look into a young woman's journey to find beauty, hope and healing while peeling back the layers of cancer. As a professional speaker, a university graduate of Communication Studies and Education, a certified trainer in group-exercise, and a personal trainer, and most importantly a cancer survivor, The Pink Notes event includes an artistic slide presentation and speech based on the book.

The Pink Notes is a commendable, self-published endeavor that contains 200 pages of Jackie's journey and survival, from diagnosis to her everyday struggles dealing with cancer. The Pink Notes will be available online as well as in various local bookstores. "I think we all need to remind ourselves that the quality of our life experience is truly up to us. We all have the power of perception, and we must have faith in the treatment and the care we have received. "

"Throughout history, countless people have overcome tremendous obstacles and defied the odds. Defy your odds one day at a time and continue enjoying the wonderful life you have earned and are blessed with. In doing this, together we create a wave of change."