
About Thrivers Ark
If you have the desire to not only survive your cancer but to thrive beyond it, Thrivers Ark has been built for you. ​
Our free retreat offers tools and practices for the mind and spirit to people living with cancer and their supporters.
​
Thrivers Ark is run by a team of empowered individuals who have been touched by cancer. We are here to serve people who are ready for an inner transformation, connecting you with a like-minded community and teachers who understand the impact of cancer on our mind, body and spirit.
Welcome to our cancer-specific learning platform for the mind, body and spirit (we think it's a world first!).
​
Come thrive with us!


Meet our Teachers
Hailing from all corners of the globe, our teachers deeply understand the impact of cancer on the mind, body and spirit. We've hand-picked each teacher for their authenticity, wisdom and skill in guiding people through the ARK (Awareness Release Kindness) Journey.

Dhevaksha Naidoo
Retreat into the Five Healing Senses
Dhevaksha Naidoo is a retreat researcher, teacher, and speaker who merges complementary medical science with contemplative practice. She has published in academic journals and presented at scientific conferences in Australia and internationally on the impact of retreats on happiness and wellbeing. Dhevaksha has developed the Five Healings Senses model, as well as retreats and an academy for wellness practitioners, as pathways to realise wellness and thriving. Dhevaksha lives in Melbourne with her husband, their son, and toy cavoodle. More at dhevaksha.com

William Kenower
The Only Time is
Now
William Kenower is the author of three bestselling books, is the Editor-in-Chief of Author magazine, and a sought-after speaker and teacher. In addition to his books he’s been published in The New York Times and has been a featured blogger for the Huffington Post. William lives in Seattle. More at williamkenower.com
​

Lara Charles
What We Gain When We Give Up Control
Lara Charles is an Australian writer, mother and blood cancer-thriver. Through her newsletter and in print, Lara writes reflective, thought-provoking personal essays and poems about our inner human life. Her work has been featured in New Zealand's most prominent media platform, Stuff, and internationally. Her debut memoir will be ready for publication in 2024. More at laracharles.com

Jodie O'Dea
Empowering to Thrive
In her late 30s, Jodie O'Dea was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer and faced immediate and multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Having led personal and professional growth and development programs for more than 15 years, she is an expert at empowering others, including fellow cancer patients, particularly with their mindset.
Through her candour and compassion, Jodie offers invaluable insights and shares simple, easy-to-replicate support, helping others to benefit from her journey.

Ali Zidel
The Art of Therapeutic Writing
Ali Zidel is a United States cancer survivor, writer, mother, and teacher. Before COVID, she led the ongoing workshop Writing Your Cancer Journey at the Stanford Supportive Care Center in Stanford, CA. Ali has taught writing and coached people in Executive Functioning skills for over 20 years. More at holy-mess.com.

How It Works
Our Ark stands for Awareness, Release, Kindness - it's our pathway to a healthier whole self.
Our free retreat is designed to guide people through these three phrases towards inner freedom.

1. Awareness
We bring your attention inwards to the mind and spirit – honing your ability to look at your thoughts, feelings and actions with greater clarity and compassion.

2. Release
We give you tools and practices to release the internal barriers that are holding you back from living a full and purposeful life, not bound by external circumstances.

3. Kindness
Learn simple techniques to bring in more kindness, fearlessness and connection into your cancer journey, and your whole being, so you can live your fullest life.