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Donna Karan is not only the person behind a successful fashion empire, but a woman set out to make the world a better place. Her Urban Zen Foundation is a multi-faceted organization that works in the areas of health and well-being, cultural preservation and empowering children.
A tragedy sparked the creation of the Urban Zen Foundation when Karan’s soul mate, husband and business partner Stephen Weiss died from lung cancer in 2001. Not one to stay idle, Donna Karan decided to honor the legacy of Weiss and make a difference in the world of healthcare.
After her own personal experience with hospitals, doctors and nurses, Karan felt that something was missing in the way the sick were treated. Standing by her words, “our healthcare system is about caring for health,” Karan created the Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) program.
UZIT embraces the power of Eastern practices and alternative healing methods, by training therapists in yoga, essential oil therapy, Reiki, nutrition and contemplative care. Shifting the paradigm of standard Western medicine, the successful integration of Eastern healing practices has been a welcome and healing method introduced nationwide to hospitals, nursing healthcare education and emergency relief.
The fashion icon’s vision to revamp the healthcare system is embodied in UZIT, as it serves as a healing link to support doctors, nurses, patients and their loved ones.
[Source: Urban Zen Foundation]
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