Shaerine
Rooted in Wellness
Nourishment for Life
Youth Program Spotlight
Chronic Diseases:
Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity,
Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension & Autoimmune
Hello, and a heartfelt welcome to Rooted in Wellness and our Chronic Disease Program Series.
My name is Shae Gawlak. I am a Stage IIIB lobular carcinoma breast cancer thriver and the CEO of Rooted in Wellness. I am truly grateful that you are here.
I understand that living with, recovering from, or supporting someone through a chronic illness can bring many emotions—fear, uncertainty, exhaustion, hope, courage, and everything in between. No two journeys are the same, and support can look different for each of us. Sometimes it is found through information and practical resources; other times, it comes through connection, compassion, encouragement, or simply knowing that we do not have to walk this path alone.
My hope is that, by sharing parts of my own journey, I can offer a little light, love, strength, and hope to those seeking support. Wherever you may be in your experience, please know that you are seen, your story matters, and you are warmly welcomed into this community.
A Bit About Me
My Story: Rooted in Love, Resilience, Grief, and Purpose
Before I am a CEO, a nutritionist, an advocate, or a breast cancer thriver, I am a mom, a fierce mom at that!
Raising my three boys has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I have worked to raise them to be kind, considerate, compassionate, passionate, caring, generous, loving, understanding, confident, intelligent, inspiring, and thoughtful human beings. More than anything, I want them to move through this world with open hearts—to care deeply for one another, for people whose experiences may differ from their own, and for this beautiful planet we are fortunate enough to call home.
Over the course of my 56 years, I have faced more trauma than I ever imagined one person could carry. One of the most terrifying chapters of my life began when I was diagnosed with Stage IIIB lobular carcinoma of my right breast.
My cancer was classified as ER-positive, PR-positive, and HER2-negative—“++-.” In simple terms, the cancer was being fueled by estrogen and progesterone, the very hormones I had always associated with my femininity and my identity as a woman.
The diagnosis did not come quickly or easily!
Between 2015 and 2019, I sought help from at least four or five medical professionals because I had not felt like myself for a very long time. I was experiencing brain fog, sluggishness, irritability, extreme exhaustion, and unexplained weight gain. Two doctors attributed my symptoms to perimenopause.
My personal journey is rooted in breast cancer, but RIW’s commitment to chronic disease extends far beyond cancer. Individuals and families navigating diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and other complex health conditions also deserve to feel seen, informed, nourished, and supported; through our four pillars of Education, Nutrition, Wellness, and Community, Rooted in Wellness provides compassionate resources, practical tools, advocacy, and meaningful connection so no one has to face a difficult diagnosis or lifelong health journey alone.
Our Clinical Programs
Clinical Nutrition Programs: Turning Knowledge into Lifelong Wellness
Rooted in Wellness’ clinical programs provide compassionate, evidence-informed nutrition education for individuals and families seeking to prevent, manage, or better understand chronic health conditions. Whether participation is recommended by a physician or healthcare practitioner—or chosen independently as a personal step toward better health—RIW meets each person with dignity, practical guidance, and support tailored to their individual journey.
Through Fuel for the Fight, Comfort Kitchen, Nutrition 101, Diabetes Prevention & Management, and individualized Registered Dietitian Nutrition Consulting, participants learn how food can become a powerful and supportive part of their overall care. These programs help individuals understand the connection between nutrition, blood sugar, inflammation, energy, treatment recovery, emotional wellbeing, and long-term disease management.
RIW’s Licensed Registered Dietitian, Molly Swann, brings trusted clinical expertise together with empathy and realistic, sustainable strategies. Rather than promoting restrictive diets, fear, or perfection, Molly helps participants develop a healthier and more confident relationship with food. Her guidance supports informed decision-making, meal planning, symptom management, healthy behavior change, and nutrition goals that reflect each person’s diagnosis, lifestyle, culture, preferences, and medical recommendations.
Our Clinical Programs
Fuel for the Fight supports individuals navigating cancer and other serious health conditions by providing nutrition education that helps strengthen the body before, during, and after treatment. Participants receive practical guidance for maintaining energy, managing treatment-related challenges, supporting recovery, and making nourishing food choices during an emotionally and physically demanding time.
Comfort Kitchen creates a welcoming and compassionate space where food, emotional wellbeing, and supportive connection come together. Participants learn how to prepare comforting, nutrient-dense meals while exploring the important role food can play in healing, family connection, dignity, and quality of life.
Nutrition 101 builds a strong foundation of practical nutrition knowledge. Participants learn how to understand food labels, create balanced meals, plan and shop with greater confidence, identify reliable health information, and make realistic choices that support lifelong wellness.
Diabetes Prevention & Management helps individuals understand blood sugar, carbohydrates, meal timing, movement, weight management, and sustainable lifestyle habits. The program is designed for those at risk of developing diabetes, those recently diagnosed, and individuals seeking additional support in managing an existing condition alongside their healthcare team.
One-on-One Registered Dietitian Consulting provides individualized nutrition guidance based on each participant’s unique health concerns, goals, medical history, food preferences, and daily circumstances. These private consultations allow participants to ask questions, address barriers, develop personalized strategies, and receive ongoing encouragement as they work toward meaningful and sustainable change.
Together, these services reflect RIW’s Nourishment for Life: Food Is Medicine approach. We recognize that food is not a replacement for medical treatment, but it can be an essential partner in prevention, treatment, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. Through clinical knowledge, compassionate education, and personalized support, RIW empowers participants to feel more informed, capable, and confident as they build a healthier relationship with food and take an active role in their wellness journey.
