My mom is undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. Anyone who has had cancer touch his or her life understands the impact of that statement. She was diagnosed in August. After just a few months on this journey, it has become clear how critical it is to have people that support the patient and family during crisis. We have been blessed with exceptional doctors, visiting nurses, friends, caregivers, and therapists.

The connections my sister, Laurie, and I have made as a result of publishing this magazine have provided us with tremendous resources to turn to for advice. We are fortunate to have a wealth of extraordinary natural practitioners in our community that have enhanced our lives and supported the health of my family in a multitude of ways.

To help you make connections for your health, this edition is our very special annual Natural Living Directory. This issue is your natural phone book; keep it year-round to easily access our community’s best natural living resources. The practitioners and businesses you’ll find in this directory are working hard to build a healthy community – be sure to call on them.

Since we began publishing in 2001, we have watched alternative modalities and natural health approaches move into the mainstream. Over the years, Natural Awakenings has kept you informed with the latest in natural news. As I look back I can see that Natural Awakenings has grown to become the community’s multimedia resource for healthy living and a healthy planet. We offer online, mobile, and social media access to resources, informative articles, and events in our community. For easy access at your fingertips our iPhone/iPad app that can be downloaded free at the iTunes store.

Thank you, our readers and advertisers, as your support has made that growth possible. On a personal note, if you are able to offer prayers, energy, and healing thoughts for my mom, we are grateful to you for that as well. Together we can help each other with resources and healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Here’s to supporting each other!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher