Hey all,
I received a few emails recently from a lady named Leah. Now let me just say that normally answering the support emails here at HOP I do get to meet a whole bunch of you via email and hear some interesting stories and receive alot of positive feedback about the site etc etc. We do also respect the fact that the emails are classed as confidential between us and you and treat your privacy with the utmost of respect.
I emailed Leah and asked her for permission to place her story and life experience on the discussion board for you all to see, as her story moved me to the point of wanting to share her experience with you all.
She agreed and didnt mind that her name was used in this post.
Below is part of the email that Leah sent to me here at HOP.
(Chris)
I am very grateful for your website and have spent lots of time learning about fire safety, proper procedures, etc. I’m a relatively new “burner” (only done 3 burns) and have taken safety as my #1 motto. I even carry a fire extinguisher in my “burn bag” and I have purchased entertainment liability insurance for fire dancers.
The art of poi has been a tremendous help to me physically. I am a 6-year breast cancer survivor. Following treatments in 1998 my left arm had been affected with lack of strength and no flexibility due to nerve damage from surgery and muscle atrophy from radiation treatments. I have been swinging poi now for 11 months and am thrilled to say that I now have full range of motion in my left arm and almost full flexibility back. I love it!! I’m the oldest member of our poi class (51 years old and a grandmother of a 2 year old) but art knows no age limit and some of my now closest friends are people I spin with, fifteen to twenty years younger than I. My tutor has said I’m an inspiration to her as she has watched me regain what I thought was lost forever.
Thank you and Happy Holidays to all,
Leah
When I asked Leah to post the above article Leah was more than happy to share her experinces with you all and replied to me with the below email
(Chris)
Surviving breast cancer is more than just breathing…it has always been my hope that I can show others that you can not only survive, but really live. It wasn’t until after I had experienced breast cancer that I embraced activities that would ultimately be healing to my body in ways I never imagined, but would bring about confidence, peace and self-esteem to a bruised psyche. I began taking belly dancing lessons 2 years after the cancer because I was feeling like a “couch potato” (an American term for no energy level). Soon I found myself performing in restaurants, fairs and shows. I joined a singing group of breast cancer survivors and we became the first group of its kind in the USA to record original music and sing songs of hope and inspiration to others. In January 2004 I started twirling and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.
Though sometimes I feel as though I’m very slow at learning new tricks and feel a little behind my poi-mates, I love twirling!! I’m close to getting a backwards weave and just this past Monday night in class I was able to do a take-out with both hands for the first time! I can’t describe the feeling I get when spinning. There is an endorphin-rush…those “feel good” chemicals in your brain that get released into your bloodstream. The art of poi makes me happy! It’s an extremely positive art form.
Chris, I think you’ve made my day! If there’s anything else I can write or send your way, just let me know.
Most kindly,
Leah
Working here at HOP and receiving emails from fellow twirlers like Leah really lets me know that we are on the right path as to what we are doing here, and shows me the good that we are passing on to people from all around the world.
Happy to be part of the process.
(Chris)
what a wonderful story. Good on Leah, and thanks for sharing!
and wonder. I think of her when I get discouraged as a teacher. Her story is definately affirming. 
in the blue sky.
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