Some of Asheville’s best yoga teachers and alternative therapists are coming together to raise money to help cover the medical bills of Michaela Francoise Hesselink, a local acupuncturist and healer who’s battling cancer.
A Sept. 3 fundraiser at Sunswept Farm in Madison County will feature a full day of yoga, massage, meditation and music. The event is by donation, with the public invited to attend regardless of ability to contribute financially. All proceeds will go toward Hesselink’s medical bills.
After overcoming cervical cancer 10 years ago and a recurrence five years ago, Hesselink was recently diagnosed with a rare form of bladder cancer doctors believe was caused by the radiation that was used to treat her previous tumor. As a self-employed cancer survivor, she has no insurance.
“I’m really grateful for all the love and support I’ve been getting from family, friends and even total strangers,” said Hesselink. “Connecting with so many people from the heart has made this difficult time very special for me.”
The fundraiser is being organized by her daughter, Mado Hesselink, a popular local yoga instructor who teaches classes at the Asheville Yoga Center, Asheville Community Yoga and the Town Mountain Training Center. Joe Taft, Danielle Goldstein and other local instructors will join her at the farm, donating their time to teach classes.
For more info on the event, including a complete schedule and directions, click here.
[Full disclosure: Françoise Hesselink is the partner of Mountain Xpress Senior Editor Peter Gregutt.]
Photos courtesy of Mado Hesselink
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