Maya Simand: Cancer Survivor to Holistic Cancer Coach

In the world of Functional Nutrition and holistic health, few stories are as compelling and uplifting as Maya Simand’s, a Functional Nutrition Counselor and Holistic Cancer Coach. A breast cancer survivor herself, Maya's story demonstrates the power of integrative approaches to healing and the profound impact of a Functional Nutrition education.

A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Maya's story begins in late 2008 when she received a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer... about four months after my mom passed away from lymphoma," Maya recounts. The diagnosis was compounded by additional health challenges, including thyroid issues and diabetes. "It was Stage 3B, hormone receptor positive breast cancer," she explains.

Initially, Maya followed the conventional treatment path, undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, but her journey took an unexpected turn when, five years later, she discovered the cancer had metastasized to her endometrium.

A Turning Point: Embracing Holistic Approaches

This recurrence became a pivotal moment for Maya. "Once I was told, I knew at that moment that there's no way I would repeat the procedures I had before," she states firmly. This realization led her to question the conventional approach and seek alternative methods.

Maya's quest for answers drove her to immerse herself in research. "I came home and I just dived into the research. I was just doing research after research day after day and started learning more," she shares. This journey of discovery led her to understand cancer as a metabolic disease influenced by epigenetics, diet, environment, emotions, and stress levels.

The Power of Lifestyle Changes

Embracing a holistic approach, Maya made radical changes to her lifestyle. She overhauled her diet, eliminated toxins from her environment, including in the clothing she wore, and focused on mental and emotional well-being. "I changed my life, changed everything that surrounded me, my diet, my mindset and just dived in a hundred percent in that way of changing my life," Maya explains.

The results were remarkable. After four months of her new regimen, tests showed a 50% reduction in tumor size. Eight months into the process, a CAT scan revealed no signs of the tumor. Maya had defied the statistics and proven that a holistic approach could yield powerful results.

Maya's personal triumph inspired her to help others facing similar challenges. "People start calling and they start asking we heard your story. Can we talk to you? Can you help us out?" she recalls. This demand led her to pursue formal education in Functional Nutrition.

The Role of Functional Nutrition Alliance

In her search for comprehensive education, Maya discovered the Functional Nutrition Alliance’s training and certification program, Full Body Systems. "I wanted to know more about human biology, the human body. With Functional Nutrition Alliance, I instinctively felt very comfortable with their program," she explains. In 2019, Maya enrolled in Full Body Systems, a decision she describes as transformative.

The Full Body Systems course provided Maya with a deep understanding of human physiology and the interconnectedness of bodily systems. This knowledge has become instrumental in her work as a Holistic Cancer Coach. "Functional Nutrition Alliance courses help me a lot because there are modules on the digestive system, modules about our hormones, and more. It’s really about understanding your own body," Maya explains.

Empowering Clients Through Education

Since graduating from Full Body Systems in 2019, Maya has put her Functional Nutrition certification to work as a full-time Holistic Cancer Coach, specializing in helping clients understand cancer from a new perspective. "I help people to understand what their cancer is all about. It's not here to kill you, but it is here to change you," she emphasizes. Her approach focuses on empowering clients to take an active role in their healing process.

Maya's education through Functional Nutrition Alliance has been crucial in this work. She integrates the knowledge gained from Full Body Systems into her coaching, teaching clients about their bodies' systems and how they are interconnected. "Once you understand what's happening inside, you have no fear," she states, highlighting the importance of education in the healing process.

The Impact of Functional Nutrition Education

For anyone considering furthering their education in Functional Nutrition, Maya's story offers compelling evidence of its value. The comprehensive understanding of human physiology provided by Full Body Systems enables practitioners to approach health challenges from a holistic perspective.

Maya emphasizes the importance of "backing it up" to find the root cause of health issues, a principle she learned directly from Functional Nutrition Alliance founder, Andrea Nakayama. "I don't jump to conclusions working with my clients. I always try to ‘back it up’ to go to that root because I know it's there somewhere," she explains.

A Call for a New Approach in Healthcare

Maya's journey and subsequent work highlight the need for a more integrative approach in healthcare. She encourages both patients and practitioners to ask more questions and take a more active role in the healing process. "We have to read the signals from our bodies and voice them. There's no one who knows our body better than we do," she asserts.

For medical professionals, Maya's story underscores the potential of Functional Nutrition education to enhance patient care and outcomes. By understanding the body as an interconnected system and addressing root causes rather than just symptoms, practitioners and providers can work in partnership to offer comprehensive and effective patient care.

A Testament to the Power of Functional Nutrition

Maya Simand's path from cancer patient to Holistic Cancer Coach is a beautiful example of the power of Functional Nutrition. Her story demonstrates how education in this field can not only change individual lives but also contribute to a broader shift in healthcare approaches.

For individuals seeking to expand their knowledge, Maya's experience offers a compelling argument for the value of continuing education programs like Full Body Systems. As healthcare continues to evolve, stories like Maya's highlight the critical role that Functional Nutrition can play in creating more holistic, patient-centered approaches to health and healing, even in the most dire of circumstances.