Past Events

Thriving Through Cancer and Beyond: A Celebration for Survivors and Thrivers

Thursday, June 5, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Irving Cancer Research Center Auditorium, 1130 St. Nicholas Ave, NYC
Hosted by the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) Patient and Family Advisory Council

We were honored to be part of the inaugural Thriving Through Cancer and Beyond celebration—an event created to uplift and center the voices of those navigating life during and after cancer.

Body Craft Massage Therapy contributed in two meaningful ways:
• A guided breathwork demonstration, exploring how intentional breath can help regulate the nervous system, support lymphatic function, and provide grounded relief during and after treatment.
• An Exhibitor Spotlight, offering attendees insight into our safe, trauma-informed therapies designed specifically for oncology and post-surgical care.

This free, community-centered gathering welcomed survivors, thrivers, care partners, and loved ones—fostering connection, comfort, and support through every phase of the journey.

Event Highlights included:
– Wellness activities including breathwork, mindfulness, and spiritual care
– Fireside chats with Columbia/NYP physicians
– Exhibitor Spotlights and supportive service organizations
– Space for meaningful conversations with others walking similar paths

For more information or future events, contact Kimberly Burke at krb2160@cumc.columbia.edu

Community Walk

Saturday, March 8th, 2025

In honor of World Lymphedema Day 2025, Body Craft Massage Therapy hosted a special community walk to raise awareness around lymphedema, lymphatic health, and healing after cancer. The event was free and open to the public.

The All Roads Lead to the Heart! walk brought together friends, family, and community members who live with lymphedema, or support someone who does, for a walk through Prospect Park.

This grassroots gathering offered space for shared movement, connection, and visibility. As a community, we honored not only the lymphatic system’s essential role in healing and wellness, but also the resilience and grace of those walking complex paths.

Breathwork for Lymphatic Support Masterclass Series

In-person & virtual offerings | November – December 2022
Body Craft Massage Therapy, PLLC | NYC and online

What is breathwork?
How can it be used to support the lymphatic system?
Why is it helpful for people who have or have had cancer—or anyone navigating stress, recovery, or fatigue?

This three-class masterclass series, offered in late 2022, explored the fundamentals of breathwork and how it could support lymphatic function. Participants were guided through practical, evidence-informed tools for grounding, self-regulation, and lymphatic wellness. The series was timed to help slow down before the holiday season’s inevitable stresses.

Participants Learned:

• How focused, intentional breath could help improve lymph flow

• Specific breathing techniques for home practice

• Ways to integrate breathwork into self-lymphatic care or lymphedema management—or for general self-care

• Body awareness practices to deepen connection with breath and body

• Recommendations at the end of each class to build an ongoing home breathwork practice

Series Structure:

Each class built on the previous week’s material and offered take-home practices to extend learning.

• Tuesdays 4:30 – 6:00 PM in-person: Nov. 22, Nov. 29, Dec. 15

• Thursdays 10:00 – 11:30 AM (ET) via Zoom: Nov. 17, Dec. 1, Dec. 15

• Fridays 5:30 – 7:00 PM in-person: Nov. 18, Dec. 2, Dec. 16

In-person sessions were held at Body Craft Massage Therapy, PLLC in NYC and limited to five participants per class. Masks were required on premises throughout the series.

Series Fee: $180
Format: 3-class series, 1.5 hours each
Instructor: Rebecca Smith, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist, BCMT founder

Participants did not need a cancer history, lymphedema diagnosis, or lymphatic risk to enroll. The Breathwork for Lymphatic Support Series was open to al