When life circumstances changed dramatically for me between 2009 and 2010, little did I know they would begin a journey that led me to publishing the Greater Boston and Rhode Island edition of Natural Awakenings. This month’s feature article by Marlaina Donato, “Life After Cancer: The Healing Journey,” reminded me why I feel somewhat responsible for continuing this journey. The author explores how survivors rebuild once treatment ends. It’s a hopeful reminder that life after cancer can be lived more fully and intentionally.

This article sparked a memory for me from around 10 years ago when we had a table at an herbal event in the Boston area. I was standing at our booth engaging with attendees when a woman across the event floor caught my eye, and our glances quickly locked.

As she headed toward our table, her arms outstretched, tears already beginning to form in her eyes, I instinctively opened my arms to receive her embrace. Having no idea who this person was, I was a little taken aback, but leaned in to hear what she had to say. I remember hearing the words, “Thank you, thank you, so much for bringing this magazine to Boston.”

What followed was a wonderful and heartwarming conversation about how she had found a practitioner through a connection within our pages who had helped her heal her cancer over the previous year. It was the first time I realized how important it is for our community that we continue as a conduit of connection for the amazing practitioners, healers and aligned businesses that support this publication with their advertising dollars, editorial contributions and events.

In this edition, we have contributions from several of those very practitioners. In our Business Spotlight, “Force In Motion Therapy,” Wendy Nadherny Fachon introduces Dr. Matthew D’Elia, whose psychologically informed approach to physical therapy helps active adults and athletes heal the root cause of their pain, without surgery or medication.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time for “The Power of Prevention,” where Samantha A. Pezza of Rhode Island Thermography shares how thermal imaging offers a gentle, contact-free way to keep tabs on breast health.

In “Seasonal Appetite Changes,” dietitian Alora Frederick explains why we tend to feel hungrier as fall sets in. Her advice is refreshingly kind: make room for warm, satisfying meals rather than fighting every craving.

And if someone in your house snores, “When Snoring May Point to the Jaw” with Dr. Amparo David explains how jaw position can affect the airway and when it’s worth getting checked.

To everyone who has shared a story, placed an ad or picked up a copy, thank you for keeping this connection alive.