Finding Strength in Subtle Actions: Yukie’s Six-Year Journey with MELT and Tai Chi

By Anastasia Abraham, Communications Intern

When Yukie first stepped into a wellness class at Cancer Services six years ago, she wasn’t sure what to expect. She hoped the exercises might help with balance and mobility, but she never imagined the classes would also become a beacon of solidarity.

Tai Chi is a calm, controlled form of exercise that helps improve balance.

For Yukie, the MELT Method and Tai Chi classes have become more than just a fitness routine—they’re an anchor in her week, a space where healing happens slowly and joyfully.

The MELT Method’s gentle application of soft rollers and balls to hydrate connective tissue, in conjunction with Tai Chi’s deliberate and measured movements has evolved into a trusted exercise regimen for her.

Melt Method relies on special balls and rollers to hydrate your connective tissue.

But what keeps someone coming back to a class, not for a month or a season but for 6 solid years? For Yukie, the answer is easy: “It’s the people. Teachers and students have a bond, and we learn new things together. I appreciate friendship, and that’s important to me.” Although she can exercise alone at home, she favors the communal setting where laughter, encouragement, and a shared understanding have become integral components of her health.

In addition, to physical and social activities, Yukie also takes pleasure in the educational seminars, particularly those emphasizing the preparation of simple, nutritious meals. Collectively, these offerings exemplify Cancer Services’ comprehensive approach to wellness—addressing the physical, emotional and social dimensions of individuals navigating life with or beyond cancer diagnosis.

For Yukie, these classes have provided more than mere improvements in balance or pain reduction; they have fostered connections, motivation, and a supportive community that she eagerly anticipates engaging with each week.