Cancer patients, survivors bid adieu to SK Sanctuary — For 13 years, SK Sanctuary medical day spa has rejuvenated bodies, revamped looks and uplifted spirits for thousands of men and women undergoing breast cancer in San Diego during monthly breast cancer nights. At the events, helmed by owners Dr. Stephen Krant and wife Lyn, men and women who have undergone the tribulations of breast cancer are pampered with free spa services. In addition to the treatments and camaraderie, the night also includes inspirational speakers who share their personal journeys with breast cancer. The upstairs juice bar is really where the interactive healing occurs — a haven where patients can speak with survivors, a sanctuary where a woman undergoing chemotherapy or an impending mastectomy get solace and a holistic treatment center. “Just to see what women go through and the trials and tribulations of diagnosis — the stress, how it affects the family, the relationship with your spouse and the kids ¬— it’s really a holistic aspect of medicine that we can believe in. Not just the surgical aspect, but it’s the whole sense of well being,” said Krant. “A lot of these women don’t know each other, and it’s just such an incredible nurturing experience.” What began with 16 of Krant’s reconstructive surgery patients donning spa robes in April 2001 has flourished into a lively monthly event that has helped hundreds of patients, family members and cancer survivors overcome grief, share experiences and bolster others in need at a time of suffering. “I’ve sort of lived through their diagnoses,” said Krant. “For these women, it’s like coming out of a tunnel and putting it all behind them. The stories abound and it just continued to grow.” Despite the success of the longstanding program, SK Sanctuary’s breast cancer night on March 26 marked the final event after 13 years due to the spa’s closure and relocation of a portion of its services to SK Clinic. Dozens of men and women gathered together for the final event, sharing stories one last time. Twenty-five year breast cancer survivor and community cancer survivorship leader Dani Grady, along with others at the event, lauded the Krants’ legacy as stalwart supporters of breast cancer patients and survivors through their breast cancer nights, establishment of the breast cancer nonprofit SK Institute, and through Krant’s reconstructive surgical procedures on hundreds of breast cancer patients over the years. “Lyn and Steve have given the grace for all of us,” said Grady. “We know what it’s like to have a really bad day. We know what it’s like to breathe in hard and not know what the next thing we’re going to do is. We also wonder, ‘Who cares?’ And that is the gift Lyn and Steve have made sure for us to know is that people really care.” Embrace a good cause — Since SDSU graduates Paul Goodman and Griffin Thall first began selling bracelets crafted by Costa Rican artisans in September 2010, the duo’s philanthropic retail business has flourished worldwide. Pura Vida will open its first storefront location at 737 Pearl St., Ste. 206. The public is invited to join them for a grand opening event on March 29. For more information, visit www.puravidabracelets.com or call (858) 444-5477.