Raquel Kaufler uses positive thinking to heal herself and others

Raquel Kaufler hugs her dog, Mimosa.

Waking up with a positive mindset is not always the easiest thing to do. However, battling stage four metastatic kidney cancer has taught Raquel Kaufler to get up with a positive attitude and work through the difficult parts of her day with a smile. Through her battle with cancer, Raquel has learned to prioritize health and listen to her mind-body connection. 

When Raquel was younger, she “pushed [herself] to new limits, running marathons, constantly striving to improve [her] speed and performance with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon.” She “competed in numerous half marathons, ten full marathons, and triathlons.”

She used to think she was invincible and that nothing bad was going to happen to her. 

“But [being diagnosed with cancer] happened to me,” said Raquel. In 2012, Raquel was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer that metastasized to her lungs, and she believed it was a death sentence. “The first thought that comes to your mind is that you are going to die and that your life is over,” she said. 

However, she did not let her cancer diagnosis define her and, instead, Raquel’s experience taught her many lessons such as the importance of taking care of her body. Overall, Raquel keeps a positive attitude about cancer. “I don’t curse the world or my destiny or any spiritual beings,” she said. Instead of feeling sorry for herself or staying angry at the world, she thinks, “Why me? Well, why not?”

Raquel has also used her experience as a marathon runner to fight her cancer. Just as she imagined “crossing the finish line and enduring the pain” during races, after she was diagnosed, she “also visualized enduring the pain through [her] treatments and getting, one day, positive results.”  

Although her diagnosis was a shock, Raquel’s battle with cancer changed her outlook on life. “I was able to value my life more and actually be grateful that I had this diagnosis because now I rejoice much more passionately about simple moments,” she said. Before her diagnosis, Raquel took her life for granted. “Now,” said Raquel, “every little speck of breath reminds me that I’m still alive.”

Raquel thinks her survival has to do with her mental power. “We have to put a lot of effort in ourselves if we want to continue living, continue fighting,” she said. She believes that we owe it to ourselves and our families to stay mentally healthy when our bodies are going through something physically strenuous. “I feel that when you say to yourself that you’re going to be okay, if you believe it, if you feed your body with these positive thoughts, then your body will heal.” 

Through MŪZ , Raquel’s wellness tea business, she shares her cancer survival story and helps provide mental and physical support to others going through similar situations. “If I [can] help the world a little bit with my story… I’[ve] decided maybe that’s my calling in life.” 

MŪZ teas offer comfort and encouragement to the mind and soothes and strengthens the body so that it can heal. “The mind controls the body; it’s not the other way around,” she said. “I call my mind my superpower.”

But tea has also helped her physically. As she still undergoes harsh chemotherapy, she has used it to heal her body from the side-effects of these treatments. “Tea,” she said, “provides a sense of comfort, healing, and emotional balance during my treatment.” 

In addition to her business, Raquel also shares her cancer survival story through her involvement with Dolphins Cancer Challenge (DCC), Miami Dolphins’ fundraising event, which invites all to bike or run to spread awareness about cancer.

Now, Raquel focuses on surrounding herself with laughter and good moments, hoping her message about thinking positively will help more people find strength in difficult times. 

“That’s my dream,” Raquel said. “To have a huge following of people who have embraced their diagnosis, be it mental illness or cancer” so that they can “combat it with good, positive energy.”

Looking at her now, cuddling her dog, Mimosa, and focusing on big plans for MŪZ, it is clear she is making this dream come true.