As many of you all are aware, things haven’t exactly been status quo here for a little bit. First of all, thank you so much for your patience. I’m finally ready to share what’s been going on behind the scenes. 

 Back in March of 2024, I found a lump during my regular self-exam which was quickly diagnosed as be breast cancer. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy and have a long road ahead. 

I chose to keep this private initially so that I could fully process this news without added pressure. I am eternally grateful for the clarity & peace these past six weeks of privacy have afforded me, as well as the lovely friends & community who’ve kept my confidence and supported me during this devastating time. 

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is an overwhelming, high-stakes scenario for anyone without exception. While owning & running a business through cancer treatment is considerably difficult, I’ve also done so with other health issues, building redevelopment, and a pandemic. Now that I have a better view of the path ahead, I’ll do my best as I ask for grace and understanding as this chapter of my journey unfolds.

 GoFundMe     PayPal     Venmo     Amazon WishList

One-on-one Services

Availability for online distance services (Reiki, IET & Tarot) will be set around my treatment schedule so that I can be fully present during our time together. Some weeks may have extensive availability (even some weekends as we move forward) while others have none. Because I’ll only be scheduling a maximum of six weeks in advance, if you see a time you want I suggest you book it right away. 

 I will not be scheduling in-person services at least through Autumn. If you’d still prefer a session in person, consider scheduling with one of my graduates in the Philadelphia, Main Line & Southern NJ regions. I promise, you’ll be in excellent hands! If you are one of my Grads and want to be added to the list email me, I will add your practice information as soon as I am able.

 Live Online Reiki Classes

My teaching schedule will be limited slightly with all classes taking place as live, online weekend intensives through August 2024. Enrollment for all classes will remain capped at 6 students. Reiki 1 is scheduled for 6/22 & 6/23, Reiki 2 is scheduled for 7/13 & 7/14. There is a wait list for August classes for both Reiki 1 & 2 (tentatively scheduled Aug. 3 & 4 and Aug. 24 & 25 respectively) and for Reiki Mastery, which will return in the Fall. Want to study with me soon? Add yourself to the waitlist!

 The Crystal Shop

will move to a “Pop-Up” model, allowing me to take orders only when I’m physically able to fill & ship them quickly. This will also allow for some incredible deals, as well as some limited stock and one-of-a-kind items that I wouldn’t normally carry. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter and follow my socials to be the first to know when sales are set to launch!

 And soon…MERCH!

With the talented support of a dear, dear friend there will be Learn Reiki gear available, timeline TBD, and with worldwide shipping!

Reiki & Crystals Livestream

My streaming schedule is going to have to contract for a bit, though I’d like to have a sense of regularity again. I’m going to run a questionnaire soon to get scheduling feedback, but most likely there will be a blend of live and pre-recorded healings with live premiere, allowing us to have the live chat experience either way! Learn Reiki Philadelphia YouTube

On a more personal note, there are a few things that may look different on my journey than you may expect.

I’m not going to share much personal health information

For the privacy and personal safety of myself, the amazing people helping me through this and other patients, this will even include where I’m being treated. Please don’t take it personally if I decline to share something with you.

 I’m not accepting more information

With any big diagnosis, there is an “information fire hose” effect. It takes time and energy to sort through, vet, consider and integrate the worthwhile facts. I have access to a treasure trove of resources and my reading list is just as long as you’d suspect for a Capricorn Sun. Please don’t take it personally when I decline any more info, links, articles, recommendations, etc.

 I may not lose (all of) my hair

 I’m attempting a low cost alternative to cool capping, which has been shown to limit the hair follicle’s exposure to chemotherapy drugs by constricting nearby blood vessels with extreme cold. In many cases, this can help patients with solid tumor cancers (including mine) to potentially keep some or even most of their hair. It’s a lot of work and only possible because of my amazing friends. Generally, these systems are prohibitively expensive even though the success rates aren’t super high, which is why I’m testing out an alternative. From hats to wraps to new hairstyles and combinations thereof, only time will tell which options I’ll find most enjoyable. Whatever happens, I’ll make the most of it.

 You are likely to notice my “port”

 To protect my veins during chemotherapy and other infusions, a small device called a port-a-cath has been surgically implanted beneath the skin of my chest just below my collarbone. It resembles a small bump with a 1” scar just above it. These make receiving infusions and drawing blood for testing much easier, faster and more comfortable than doing so without. I am a small framed lass, so don’t be surprised if you see it standing out a bit depending on what I’m wearing. Despite it’s odd appearance, it doesn’t hurt a bit and I’m grateful for this helpful piece of technology.

 I may become more disabled, at least temporarily

 Since it isn’t immediately visible during streams or classes, many of you may only now be learning that I am disabled and walk with loftstrand (forearm) crutches due to neuropathy. This may worsen, at least temporarily, and could also impact fine movements of my fingers when building a crystal grid. I’ve been using ice therapy for hands and feet (much the same theory as scalp cooling) to help preserve optimal nerve function. 

If you’re used to seeing me out and about in Philly, my mobility may or may not be impacted. Maybe I’ll be a bit slower than normal or perhaps I’ll change up my mobility aids, but for certain I’ll be around enjoying shady spots outdoors whenever I can!

 So, thank you for being here and thank you for your patience.

If you’d live to offer support in any way, here’s how you can: 

•  Drop me a message about how I’ve impacted your life. They’re incredibly helpful on the hard days.

• Contribute via PayPal, Venmo, GoFundMe or through my Amazon Wish List 

• Schedule a session or reading for yourself

Most importantly: do your self-exam, schedule a mammogram or ultrasound, and encourage someone you love to do the same!

Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to seeing you on the other side of this challenging time. 

Best of health and happiness to all of you,

Danielle Stimpson

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