the interviewees

CHERIE FRANKLIN
Cher Franklin was the inspired teacher and healer other healers turned to in challenging times. An aggressive breast cancer, diagnosed in 2001, took her life April 18, 2003. This speech, given to health care practitioners in the spring before her passing, is testimony to the wisdom and deep healing she found on her journey.

Occupation: Psychotherapist, teacher, writer.
Age: 53

MICHAEL PICUCCI

Michael's young wife's cancer and death initiated a challenging path of healing as he came to accept his gayness, change careers, heal his own cancer and return to school. After a heart attack, the loneliness and depression he experienced deepened the intuition and spirituality he now depends on to guide his life.
Occupation: Addictions Therapist, Presenter, Researcher and Author

Interview: January, 2002.
New York, NY.
LINDA HALL
After her husband and father's deaths and unexplainable illness, Linda faced a frightening unknown. By staying with the emptiness and moving to the country she started to follow a quiet inner voice. Subtle guidance through dreams, dancing, therapy and building a safe haven opened Linda to healing.
Occupation: In transition
Age: 53

Interviewed: May 24, 2002
Location: Luppit, Devon, UK
MARY BRANCH Severe bodily pain started Mary on a path of complete physical, mental and spiritual transformation. Her whole reality changed as she connected to lost parts of herself. Through total self-acceptance and learning to express herself freely she discovered the meaning of true strength. Mary's healing led to a brand new life.
Age: 50

Interviewed: June 18, 2001
Location: West Chester, PA
PETE H Pete's life of crime and addiction was healed through spirituality, love and compassionate service. By responding to fatal diseases with a spiritual program of recovery Pete has lived years beyond what doctors predicted. His faith, prayer and loving ways as a father and volunteer at the penitentiary sustains him daily.
Occupation: Home Improvement
Age: 50

Interviewed: January 12, 2002
Location: Phoenixville, PA
HEMITRA CRECRAFT
Diagnosed with a fibroid tumor, Hemitra realized her healing needed both conventional and alternative medicine. Her story is rich with resources and shows the potency of combining spiritual, psychological, emotional, shamanic and surgical approaches.

Occupation: Educator
Age: 53 years old

Interview: July 6, 2001, full moon
Location: Paoli, Pennsylvania
DIANA MUIR
Marriage and mothering initiated Diana's healing into selfhood and came into full form through sculpting. Therapy and mentors were potent bridges of healing. A daily spiritual practice of writing, prayer and reading over the past 12 years has opened her to the creative richness of inner darkness.

Occupation: Artist
Age: 58

Interview: March 24, 2001
Philadelphia, PA
RICHARD SOLLY
 Richard’s healing journey spanned many years of enduring chronic illness and multiple surgeries. Through these he discovered the vital connection between body and soul. His healing bridges included writing poetry and prose, his daughter, a transformative near-death experience, ritual, and the power of caring.
Occupation: Writer / Editor
Age: 53


Inerview: December 23, 2000
St. Paul, Minnesota
JANET R
Janet’s experience, on both sides of the Atlantic, speaks of the way cultural and family influences effected her healing. Full of remarkable turning points her story traces her growing faith as she created a new life through the challenges of divorce, addiction recovery, mothering, painting and expanding her life purpose.
Occupation: Artist
Age: 55


Interview: September 5, 2000. Crickhowell, Wales, UK.
VIRGINIA MCKINNIE
 Having grown up in southern USA, Virginia challenged traditional beliefs to heal her sense of personal power, sexuality, and authenticity. Her healing tells of a return to wholeness and inner beauty. Through therapy, writing, psychospiritual growth and community she found joyful release from rape, depression, and addictions.

Occupation: Writer
Age: 44


Interview: January 24, 2001.
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

DEE

Dee's healing centers around relationships and her life's work. Her writing and teaching in philosophy and spirituality were bridges to deeper ‘knowing’ through the upheavals of many changes including divorce, relocation and the mystery of love. Astrology, mysticism, nature and spiritual study support her ongoing healing.

Occupation: Philosopher and Writer
Age: 47

Interview: December 25, 2000.
St. Paul, Minnesota

ANNEMARIE

In an intensive seminar Annmarie had a profound opening to old relationship patterns. Her commitment to stay open brought loving resolution with her mother and choice of partners. A powerful spiritual crisis showed her how to trust her body experience and energy and led to a new life as a bodyworker.

Occupation: Accupressurist / Bodyworker
Age: 48

Interview: October 20, 2001
S.E. State

ROGER HALM

For 30 years Roger sought recovery from a "soul sickness" he first named as a Veteran’s Hospital patient. Through the support of caring men and Twelve Step programs he built a foundation for healing. As he helped others he discovered powerful, innovative resources for healing his own history of abuse and trauma.

Occupation: Counselor
Age: 50

Interview: November 20, 2000.
Malvern, Pennsylvania

JONAH WHITELY

Through intensive retreats, emotional release, and the study of religious and spiritual traditions, Jonah faced and found healing for depression and sexual abuse. Therapy and experience with dreams, breath and body work, stories, and community service resolved years of struggle with beliefs about himself and evil.
Occupation: Journalist
Age: 49

Interview: January 28, 2001.
Mid Atlantic State

ALETALYLE

 AletaLyle finds healing everywhere. As a woman who grew through abuse, divorce, illness, depression and discrimination she found strength and healing in standing up for herself and other women. Therapy, work and a healing mission were potent tools. Music, writing, singing, and acting all connect her to a presence of God.

Age: 73


Interview: February 16, 2001
Delaware

TERESA ROSE
Teresa Rose woke to healing through her mother's death. She found a new life and career in holistic health and experienced relief from chronic illness through an accelerated path of growth. As a parent she speaks to the changes healing brought to her family and work and the importance of responsibility.

Occupation: Holistic Health Practitioner
Age: 50

Interview: March 28, 2001
Paoli Pennsylvania