We are thrilled to introduce the MTAC Mentorship Program in collaboration with Allo Mon Coco and MTY Foundation , a heartfelt initiative designed to provide support, guidance, and empowerment to women navigating the challenges of breast cancer treatment. This program connects individuals with mentors—survivors and thrivers who have experienced their own breast cancer journey and understand the physical, emotional, and mental hurdles that come with it. Through this program, women will find a safe space for connection, understanding, and encouragement . Mentors offer more than just advice; they provide comfort, companionship, and a listening ear on each participant’s terms. Whether someone is newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in recovery, having a mentor who has walked a similar path can make all the difference. How the MTAC Mentorship Program Works Each participant is thoughtfully matched with a mentor based on their specific journey, taking into account factors such as age, family dynamics, and stage of treatment or recovery. The goal is to foster meaningful, one-on-one connections  that provide emotional support and guidance in a way that feels personal and impactful. Mentors and mentees begin their relationship with an initial conversation, facilitated by the MTAC team, and from there, the connection continues in a way that works best for them. Whether through regular check-ins, phone calls, or in-person meetings, the mentorship experience is flexible and tailored to the needs of each individual. Building a Stronger, More Supportive Community At MTAC, we believe that no one should go through this journey alone. The Mentorship Program is about more than support—it’s about building a community where women feel seen, heard, and empowered . By fostering these connections, we hope to create lasting relationships that inspire strength, resilience, and hope. To learn more about the MTAC Mentorship Program or to get involved, please contact our outreach team or email us at info@morethanacure.com .

At MTAC, we know that true wellness extends beyond physical health—it’s about nurturing the mind, body, and soul. That’s why we teamed up with Erica Diamond , a global leader on a mission to Redefine Self-Care . As a sought-after Media Expert, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Host of The Erica Diamond Podcast,  and Founder of the award-winning women’s empowerment brand EricaDiamond.com® , Erica has dedicated her career to helping individuals prioritize well-being. With expertise as a Certified Life & Career Coach, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, and Course Creator of Busy To Bliss , she brings a wealth of knowledge on how self-love directly impacts heart health. In this exclusive conversation, Erica shares four transformative ways  to cultivate self-care, reduce stress, and strengthen both emotional and physical well-being. Whether you're looking for simple, mindful shifts or a complete lifestyle transformation, these insights will empower you to take charge of your heart health with confidence and intention. When was the last time you truly paused and asked yourself: " Am I giving my heart the care it deserves? " Beyond its vital physical role, your heart is also deeply connected to your emotional well-being and self-love. For many women, life’s demands often leave little room to prioritize heart health or emotional connection. But what if we told you that caring for your heart — both physically and emotionally — can lead to transformative changes in your overall well-being?  In this article, you’ll discover practical, empowering ways to reconnect with yourself, cultivate self-love, and boost heart health simultaneously. What is the Connection Between Heart Health and Self-Love? Self-love isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an essential aspect of well-being that directly impacts your heart’s health. Scientific studies consistently reveal that chronic stress, low self-esteem, and neglect of emotional needs can lead to physical health issues, including heart disease and high blood pressure. By practicing self-love, you’re not only fostering emotional stability but also strengthening your heart's ability to function optimally. Why Should You Care About This Connection? The heart is much more than a physical organ — it’s deeply intertwined with your emotional state. Think about the impact of emotions like stress, grief, or joy on your heartbeat. Chronic stress and unresolved emotions can strain your heart, leading to serious health conditions over time. When you make self-love a priority, you’re doing more than embracing positivity; you’re actively protecting your heart from the harmful effects of neglect and emotional overload. Moreover, self-love promotes a joyful, fulfilling life. It empowers you to release emotional baggage, forgive yourself, and celebrate your uniqueness. This emotional freedom not only supports your mental health but also enables your heart to thrive in an environment of reduced stress and enhanced well-being. By recognizing the connection between heart health and self-love, you give yourself permission to live a life that’s not just healthier — but also happier. 1. Reconnect With Yourself Through Daily Rituals The beauty of daily rituals lies in their simplicity and power to create profound change over time. These small, intentional acts serve as gentle reminders of your intrinsic value, helping you cultivate positive habits, reduce stress, and build emotional resilience. According to Erica Diamond, life coach and mindfulness expert, self-love begins with two essential ingredients: awareness and  intention . Here are some of her daily rituals: Morning Affirmations: Begin Your Day With Positivity The way you start your morning sets the tone for the entire day. Incorporating affirmations such as " I am worthy of love and care " or " I am enough just as I am " creates a mental shield against negativity. These affirmations are declarations to yourself, reprogramming your mind to focus on your worth and potential. Speak them aloud in the mirror or write them in a journal to amplify their impact. Over time, these affirmations transform into a powerful inner dialogue that fuels self-confidence and emotional strength. Journaling: Create Space for Your Emotions Imagine a place where you can unload your worries, celebrate your victories, and reflect on your dreams — it’s all possible through journaling. Dedicating just 10 minutes a day to writing about your feelings can help you process emotions and gain clarity on what brings you joy. Journaling is about creating a safe space to understand yourself better. Write about your gratitude, explore what’s weighing you down, or list your aspirations. This ritual acts as a daily check-in, allowing you to align with your true self while fostering mindfulness and emotional release. Setting Boundaries: Protect Your Peace For many, saying "no" feels uncomfortable, yet it’s one of the most liberating acts of self-love. Setting boundaries is about defining what nourishes you and protecting your energy. Learn to say “no” to commitments that drain you and “yes” to activities that bring joy and fulfillment. When you set boundaries, you reclaim control over your time and energy, making space for what truly matters. And here’s the secret: the more you prioritize your needs, the stronger and more balanced you become to show up better for others. These small actions might seem insignificant, but their cumulative effect is transformative. These rituals affirm your self-worth and create a structured environment that supports mental and emotional health. According to Northwestern Medicine , effective routines can help reduce stress, leading to better mental health and less anxiety. So, take a moment today to try one or all of these rituals. Let them serve as daily love letters to yourself, reminding you that you are worthy, valued, and deserving of care. 2. Embrace Heart-Opening Yoga Poses Yoga is a gentle yet powerful tool for opening the heart, especially for women healing from chest surgeries or scar tissue. Erica Diamond recommends the following poses: Supported Fish Pose (Matsyasana) Use a bolster or folded blanket to gently lift the chest. Focus on breathing deeply into your heart space. Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) Alternate between arching and rounding your spine. Coordinate each movement with your breath to mobilize the spine and open the chest. Seated Side Stretch Extend one arm overhead while gently leaning to the side. This creates space in the rib cage and expands the chest. Note:  Always listen to your body and modify poses to suit your comfort level, especially post-surgery. These poses not only improve flexibility but also encourage emotional release. Physical tension often mirrors emotional pain, and yoga helps address both simultaneously. 3. Reduce Stress Through Mindfulness Practices Stress is an inevitable part of life but how you respond to it can make all the difference for your heart and overall well-being. Mindfulness, often described as the art of being present, offers a powerful antidote to modern life. It does more than just quiet the mind — it literally rewires the brain to respond to stress more calmly. Over time, these practices reduce the physical impact of stress on your heart, fostering resilience and improving your health. By calming the nervous system, mindfulness creates a nurturing environment where your heart can thrive. According to Erica Diamond, here are three transformative mindfulness practices to help you reduce stress and reconnect with your inner calm: Meditation: Anchor Yourself in the Present Moment Meditation is like a reset button for the mind. Dedicating 5-10 minutes daily to focus on your breath can induce relaxation and reduce stress. According to Harvard Health Publishing , regular meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and exhale slowly. Allow yourself to simply observe your thoughts without judgment, like clouds passing in the sky. This practice not only quiets mental chatter but also lowers cortisol — the stress hormone — helping to regulate blood pressure and improve heart function. Over time, meditation enhances your ability to handle challenges with grace, replacing reactive stress with mindful responses. Start small and be consistent; even a few moments of stillness can have a ripple effect on your day. Breathwork: Harness the Power of Your Breath Your breath is a powerful yet often overlooked tool for calming the body and mind. Breathwork practices, like diaphragmatic breathing, activate the parasympathetic nervous system — your body’s " rest and digest " mode. Here’s how to try it: Sit comfortably and place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand (not your chest). Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly deflate. Repeat this for 5-10 minutes. This simple exercise lowers your heart rate, reduces stress hormones, and brings your body back into balance.  The Cleveland Clinic  suggests that controlled breathing improves oxygen flow and helps the body shift out of “fight or flight” mode. As you practice, you’ll notice an immediate sense of calm and a deeper connection to your body. Emotional Awareness: Build Resilience Through Understanding Mindfulness is about becoming aware of your emotions without being overwhelmed by them. Emotional awareness helps you navigate challenges with clarity and compassion. Instead of suppressing difficult feelings like anger or anxiety, mindfulness encourages you to acknowledge them, explore their roots, and let them pass without judgment. For example, if you’re feeling stressed, take a moment to pause and name the emotion: “ I’m feeling overwhelmed right now .” By naming the emotion, you create space between the feeling and your reaction, reducing its power over you. This process fosters emotional resilience, helping you face life’s hurdles with calm and confidence. The beauty of mindfulness lies in its accessibility. You don’t need fancy equipment or a lot of time — just a willingness to be present. By calming the nervous system, these practices create a nurturing environment for heart health. The American Heart Association  notes that practicing mindfulness and meditation may help manage stress and high blood pressure, sleep better, and feel more balanced and connected, all of which contribute to a healthier heart. Start with a short meditation, try diaphragmatic breathing when you’re feeling tense, or take a moment to tune into your emotions. These small, consistent steps can lead to profound transformations, nurturing your heart and bringing peace to your life. Your heart works tirelessly for you — let mindfulness be your way of giving back. 4. Create Self-Care Rituals That Foster Gratitude Self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate or time-consuming to be effective. In fact, some of the most profound acts of self-care come from simple, intentional practices. Renowned wellness expert Erica Diamond suggests incorporating yoga and mindfulness into a daily ritual, creating a powerful heart-centered routine that nourishes both body and soul. A Heart-Centered Self-Care Routine Start your day by carving out just five minutes for deep breathing. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths in through your nose, filling your lungs completely, then exhaling gently. This simple practice helps center your mind and ground you in the present moment. It’s a reminder that you have the power to pause and reconnect with yourself. Next, flow through a series of gentle yoga poses to further enhance your sense of calm. Begin with Child’s Pose , allowing your body to relax and release any tension. This restorative pose is a perfect way to tune into your body’s needs, fostering a sense of safety and relaxation. Move into Fish Pose , supported by a bolster or cushion, which opens your chest and encourages a deeper breath, expanding your heart space. Finally, transition into Warrior II , a posture that embodies strength, balance, and confidence. This pose helps you stand tall, feeling grounded yet open to the world around you. End your practice with a moment of gratitude. Sit quietly and write down three things you’re thankful for. These can be small — like a cup of warm tea or the morning sun — or big, like your health or the love of your family. The key is to focus on the abundance in your life, no matter how simple or grand. The Power of Gratitude Gratitude is not just a fleeting feeling; it’s a transformative mindset. By consistently practicing gratitude, you shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant. This shift in perspective is powerful — it invites positivity, nurtures resilience, and helps you build a deeper emotional connection with yourself. When we focus on what we’re grateful for, we naturally invite more of those positive experiences into our lives. It also strengthens our emotional bond with others, as we begin to see the beauty in our relationships and the moments we share. Final Thoughts on Prioritizing Heart Health and Self-Love The health of your heart reflects how deeply you care for yourself — both physically and emotionally. When you prioritize self-love, mindfulness, and intentional self-care practices, you are nurturing your heart in the most holistic way. Your heart, after all, deserves the same level of attention and care you give to others. Create the space to heal, grow, and flourish in every aspect of your life. Today, make the conscious choice to practice self-love as a daily commitment. Start small — whether it’s through a mindful breathing exercise, a short yoga flow, or a moment of gratitude. Each small act of self-care is a step toward a healthier, more vibrant heart and a more fulfilling life. You are worth every bit of care you give yourself . Your heart deserves all the love, attention, and respect you can offer. By investing in your heart’s health and practicing self-love, you empower yourself to show up as your most authentic self in the world. Ready to embrace self-love and prioritize your heart health?  Take the next step in your journey by exploring more free resources and guidance from wellness expert Erica Diamond at EricaDiamond.com . Follow her on social media for daily inspiration and actionable tips to cultivate a life filled with love, balance, and heart-centered well-being. The best love story you’ll ever write is the one you have with yourself . ABOUT ERICA DIAMOND On a global mission to Redefine Self-Care, Erica Diamond is a sought-after Media Expert, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Host of The Erica Diamond Podcast, Founder of Bliss Essential Oils, Course Creator of Busy To Bliss, Certified Life & Career Coach and Certified Yoga & Meditation Teacher, and Founder of the award-winning women’s empowerment brand EricaDiamond.com®

This holiday season, our MTAC Holiday Basket Campaign  once again proved the power of kindness, generosity, and community. Thanks to our incredible sponsors and supporters, we surpassed our goal and delivered 50 beautifully curated holiday baskets  to women warriors undergoing breast cancer treatment—ensuring that no one felt alone during the holidays. Bringing Comfort, Hope, and Joy Each basket was thoughtfully designed to provide both practical relief and emotional comfort , including face and body creams for sensitive skin, cozy robes and socks, loose pajamas, soothing teas, and other feel-good surprises. But beyond the items inside, these baskets carried an even greater gift: a message of love and unwavering support  from the MTAC community. The impact was deeply felt. Josephine, one of last year’s recipients, was so moved that she broke into a hymn —a moment that reminded us why this initiative is so meaningful. This year, we saw even more heartfelt reactions—smiles, tears of gratitude, and overwhelming appreciation from women who felt truly seen and supported. A Record-Breaking Year Last year, we delivered 30 holiday baskets —but this year, with the help of our generous donors and volunteers, we reached 50 women warriors , making this our most successful Holiday Basket Campaign yet! Each delivery was a personal and emotional moment, reinforcing our mission: to provide more than just support—we provide connection, comfort, and hope . A Community That Cares This success wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our donors, sponsors, and volunteers . Your generosity turned an idea into a life-changing initiative, proving that even the smallest act of kindness can have a profound impact. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to growing and expanding our efforts to support women throughout their breast cancer journey. The holidays may be over, but our mission continues. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Holiday Basket Campaign such an incredible success. Want to be part of future MTAC initiatives? Stay connected with us at info@morethanacure.com .