The Libby Ross Foundation Program for Survivors of Breast Cancer

The Foundation offers three different aspects of the Yoga Program which are co-sponsored by The Libby Ross Foundation, Swarovski North America and OM yoga in New York City. The program offers free weekly yoga classes , free extended classes on weekends and yoga retreats. The Yoga Program offers participants an opportunity to take gentle, restorative Hatha yoga classes and participate in workshops and retreats to connect with other women who have had or are going through cancer and treatment.

For women after surgery, the entire upper body needs to be strengthened and stretched. Yoga postures help to break down scar tissue, build strength and increase flexibility. Research studies have been done on breast cancer patients, and there are many specific yoga exercises designed to meet the needs of a postoperative or recovering breast cancer survivor. These postures are emphasized in the Foundation's Yoga Program. Deep breathing is another key element in the healing process. Breathing helps to oxygenate the cells and assists the body-mind connection by serving as the link between the two. Studies show that regular practice of breathing exercises increases energy levels, creates a more positive attitude and helps to open the body from the inside out.

The weekly yoga classes are held every Tuesday at OM yoga and are free to breast cancer survivors. The classes provide women in New York City and other surrounding boroughs a chance to attend a regularly scheduled class where they can bond with other women who have experienced the effects of the disease. The classes are taught by OM certified instructors who have special training in working with the needs of survivors..

The extended classes are an extension of the weekly yoga classes. These classes provide an hour-long yoga class accompanied by guest speakers who present information on nutrition, skin care and other topics of relevance for survivors. Gift bags are given to each participant at these workshops. Supplies for the gift bags are donated or are purchased by the Foundation.

The Libby Ross Foundation and OM Yoga have teamed up to offer several very special retreat weekends for survivors of breast cancer and other women's cancer.

In 2004, the Foundation and OM yoga began our annual retreats with the first weekend in East Hampton, New York. In 2005 we grew the program beyond our New York roots to offer a similar retreat in California. In 2006 we expanded our scope once again - this time to the southeast with a retreat in Alabama.

Each retreat has been a huge success, with survivors from all over the United States traveling to our destinations to experience a weekend of yoga, meditation, health and beauty workshops, great food, discounted shopping, pampering and accommodations as well as the hospitality of a supportive community.

The power of yoga to restore and heal is well known. Through movement and breathing techniques, the yoga program empowers women to get back in touch with their bodies after radiation, chemotherapy or surgery. In addition, experts in Ayurvedic skin care and nutrition share their knowledge to help in the healing of women experiencing the side effects of cancer treatments. The retreats provide a unique venue for sharing and learning and an amazing bonding among the women all who have experienced the effects of breast cancer.

The Foundation has had tremendous success with the yoga program thus far, shown by the return of many of the same women to the workshops and classes. These women comment that the Yoga program gives them an outlet to relieve stress and gain emotional support from other women who are facing the same challenges. Their responses to the classes, workshops and retreats have been overwhelmingly positive.

All quarterly yoga Workshops are on Saturdays and are from 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM at The OM Yoga Center, 826 Broadway at 12th Street, (212) 254-9642. OM yoga center has agreed to provide space to the Foundation for all 2007 classes.

Additional dates to be posted shortly.

Tari Prinster - Bio

Tari Prinster, age 60, Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor is a resident of Stowe and New York City. A lifetime-skier, tennis player, jogger and health/fitness advocate, Tari is certified through OM yoga center in New York City. Her teaching style is student-centered, ranging from dynamic flow vinyasa to gentle movements. Tari draws on her interest in therapeutic yoga as a tool for managing chronic disease, pain, addiction and menopause to create her workshops. She maintains a daily self-practice, combining principles of BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois Astanga Yoga.

Ms. Prinster has taught at OM yoga center and Universal Force Studio in New York City, Faith Commission and Creedmore Drug Rehabilitation Centers in Queens, as well as the Stowe Gym and Yoga East in Vermont. She has also conducted special workshops such as The Libby Ross Foundation's Three Day Yoga Retreats, Yoga for Golf and Tennis, Take Yoga Not HRT and Gentle Yoga for Caner Patients and Their Caretakers in Vermont. Tari started her yoga practice at age 50 and is a breast cancer survivor.