Check Out Shay Moraga’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shay Moraga.

Hi Shay, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
In 2016, at 38 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. During the year, I endured 20 rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and 38 rounds of radiation treatment. I fought for my life until the day I was told that there was no evidence of disease, and I thought I could celebrate after I was done with those treatments. I thought I could go back to the life I once had, forgetting that the cancer ever existed. Little did I know the biggest challenge was yet to overcome. 

Because those lucky enough to experience the words ‘no evidence of disease’ know that the cancer never truly leaves you. Physically, yes. Emotionally, never. Your body acts differently now. What I now had to overcome were things like guilt, fear, loneliness, and an overwhelming sense of what in the actual hell I was just going through. I had to reconnect to my mindset and body again. I had to come to terms that I was not able control that I had gotten cancer. It was like I had been holding my breath for a year and could take a giant exhale. I knew I had to deal with what I had just went through but was so unsure how.

So, after my own quest struggling for local resources, I had a passion to do more. And with that, Shay’s Warriors Life After Cancer was brought to life in hopes of providing a healthy, inspiring, and safe space for all cancer survivors to thrive and connect. To be seen, heard, and feel safe among a community that understood. I knew that if given a second chance at life, I would spend the rest of my days helping others affected by cancer and life after. 

Already a successful entrepreneur, I merged my passion of the mind, body, and soul to connect with others going through similar situations. Because community was what helped me through the darkest of days in the chemo room, I wanted to produce a vision to have a safe space for cancer survivors to come together through movement, talk, sharing, and listening so that they could continue to heal. But more importantly so we could all heal together! 

So, in 2018, Shay’s Warriors Life After became a non-profit with a vision that no cancer survivor goes without ongoing support among a community who understands helping others continue the healing journey. Our purpose is to connect a community of women and men who share their experience, courage, and inspire hope with each other so that the Trauma and PTSD of going through cancer can be dealt with even after treatment or an ongoing diagnosis together with those who understand the most because we too have walked the same path. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a grassroots non-profit has had its challenges. Finding a board that aligns with a shared vision so we could carry out the mission of the community we serve. Fundraising during Covid almost shut us down completely. We hosted online programs and retreats for 2 years that were supposed to be held in person. But those were just small hiccups. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
When I was a junior in college, I co-founded a property management company. I was in charge of our strategic planning, marketing, and partnerships. I also did the hiring of employees and shared responsibility in management of residents. From there, I dove into investments, building my own portfolio and rehabbing historic properties. You can say I was a little ahead of my time in the rehab this house space. We grew the company to be in the Top 10 manamangent companies in the state I was living in at the time. Getting large so fast, I needed an outlet so I turned to yoga, and little did I know I how much I would love it. In fact, I loved it so much I set out on another goal and went through 200/500hr teacher trainings not knowing that in a few years I would use this practice for my own healings. 

In 2004, I was led back to my home state of California full-time and quickly transitioned the communications of the business to a hybrid by commuting between states every 6-8 weeks for meetings and or meetings online. I started teaching yoga for fun and soon became a name in the industry. I felt it was the perfect balance to my busy lifestyle. 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My understanding and vision of building a business on a broader spectrum. Yet also finding a balance in your mind, body, and soul. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shayswarriors.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayswarriorslifeaftercancer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shayswarriors/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-m-a99a9921a/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShayAfter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvwkuLbtjeWzJF9rI5Uvd6w

Image Credits
Lani Garfield
DejaView Photography