- February 6, 2025
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In September 2015, Amanda Gammisch was diagnosed with terminal grade 3 astrocytoma brain cancer.
The 35-year-old was living in St. Petersburg when, after a series of headaches, she found herself in the hospital unconscious and having seizers. The diagnosis resulted in two brain surgeries.
However, for two years after her surgeries, Gammisch's cancer seemed as if it would not return. Each year, Gammisch continued to have four MRI's but she worked to move forward with her life. She moved to the east coast of Florida with her boyfriend and in January 2016 made the decision to become a yoga instructor at Kula Yoga.
"The whole reason for me becoming a yoga instructor was just to help me deal with this sickness," Gammisch said. "I did practice before being diagnosed but really came into this when I was diagnosed. It's a lifestyle change."
Yoga become a daily part of Gamisch's life. She became friends with the owner of Kula Yoga, Jackie Anderson, and found a niche within a community that she describes as supportive.
Then, in 2017, an MRI scan showed three areas of cancerous growth in Gammisch's brain — one area is 1.5 centimeters and two other spots are 2.2 centimeters. The cancer has grown on the area of Gammisch's brain that affects speech and motor functions, which means she could eventually lose the ability to speak and use one side of her body.
Because of the size of the cancer, doctors have recommended Gammisch receive chemotherapy and radiation. Gammisch is still working through the treatment options she was given.
"They're saying if I don't do chemo my life expectancy is a lot less," Gammisch said. "It's hard to make a decisions on how long you want to live."
While Gammisch is still trying to make a decision on whether or not to start chemo, she is planning to to start radiation. The treatment will take place Monday through Friday for almost seven weeks. Without insurance, the cost is more than $220,000.
Gammisch has had to stop working and is currently on social security disability. The diagnosis has also led her to dietary changes. She started out with a vegetarian diet then switched to eating foods low in carbs. However, the change resulted in weight loss, which her doctor warned she should be careful of if she decides to go through chemo.
Even her yoga sessions have had to be put on hold. Gammisch stopped teaching yoga lessons at the end of 2017 but said she hopes to return as soon as possible. Still, she continues to use the practices she has learned, such as meditation, to help her through this time in her life.
Kula Yoga fundraising
While Gammisch may not be taking up her usual spot at the Kula Yoga studio, the people she has come to know have continued to support her.
Jackie Anderson, the owner of Kula Yoga, has been heading up a weekly fundraising session for Gammisch. Since Dec. 17, 2017. Each Sunday, Kula Yoga classes are held with 100% of the proceeds going toward Gammisch's expenses.
"I knew she was getting ready to face a hard time and everybody knows her at the studio," Anderson said. "[It's] just to help her out and show support and for people to donate for her and be there for her through this rough journey."
The Sunday fundraisers will continue through the end of January when a silent auction will be held. The event will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the Ocean Breeze Tiki Bar, 521 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach.
For more information visit facebook.com/KulaYogaPortOrange/.
