Support Adam Barley’s Healing Journey from Lymphoma

Adam Barley is a revered and devoted movement teacher who has spent 33 years inspiring and guiding others. He now faces the formidable challenge of recovering from an aggressive lymphoma and the demands of its treatment.

In May 2024, Adam noticed a strange ache in his sternum. Within days, he was unable to sleep without painkillers. The pain worsened, spread, and ultimately forced Adam to stop working and to let go of his life’s work. It took several weeks of uncertainty before receiving the life-altering diagnosis: high grade lymphoma.

The cancer quickly became resistant to treatment methods and Adam’s case was escalated for, and received, approval by a National CAR-T Clinical Panel in the UK.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor T- cell (CAR-T) therapy is a specialized, complex, and still evolving immunotherapy in which the patient’s cells are modified to better attack cancer cells. Some of Adam’s T-cells were collected, sent to a dedicated lab in the Netherlands for genetic engineering to target his lymphoma, then were multiplied. Adam underwent more chemotherapy to suppress his immune system in order to enhance the efficacy of the infusion of the modified T-cells back into his bloodstream.

Adam spent the last month at a medical unit in Bristol undergoing this intensive CAR-T treatment, which itself was life threatening.

The possible long-term side effects are profound and debilitating, ranging from disabling fatigue and pain syndromes to increased risk of infection and blood disorders. Adam will be immunocompromised, requiring antibiotics for the first year, very prone to infection for three years, and will need to limit his contact with people to protect his health.

This will make his recovery even more challenging and is the opposite of who we know Adam to be: robust, travelling, and working with groups.

His whole life has changed. Due to the complexity of the treatment and the severity of his condition, Adam will be unable to work for an indefinite period. He requires a safe and supportive space to recover, both physically and emotionally. In the months ahead, Adam’s condition will be too delicate and vulnerable to focus on anything beyond his health.

With Adam’s permission and gratitude, we have set up this GoFundMe to help relieve the financial stress he’s facing through this journey. Funds raised will go towards ongoing medical and healthcare expenses associated with his recovery (e.g. personal support services), and to help cover living expenses.

During his decades of unwavering dedication to movement as a practice, Adam’s impact as a teacher and mentor has reached thousands around the globe. His contagious passion and devotion - and yes, sometimes total craziness :-) – ignited a love for movement and personal growth in countless individuals, inspiring the courage to feel what’s deep in their hearts, face their fears and achieve their dreams. Adam has always given generously, lived boldly and believed that love is more than a feeling; it is also an action.

It’s time to show that same love and support by giving back to him.

Before being admitted to the hospital, Adam shared this personal message that reflects his signature courage, curiosity and optimism:

“This ‘Help, please!’ is to get me through this time healthwise, but also to give me the time to dream for what’s next with my work. To figure out a way to make a living online. The last 8 months have been extraordinary. Transformative, healing, revelatory. I am a different man in many ways, and I’m beyond grateful most of the time — at least when the pain is not overwhelming. I know seeds have been planted within me that will bear fruit, given time. I have had to make medicine for myself that has now formed a spring, a fountain, of healing water, and somehow this water will become the source of my work to come.

So… if you can help support this time financially, that would be so appreciated!

Thank you!”

Join us.

Any contributions - big or small - thoughts, prayers and sharing of this campaign will make a difference.

If you’d like to experience the legacy of Adam’s work - MAITREA has assembled an international group of movement teachers who are generously offering weekly online classes to raise funds in support of their beloved teacher, colleague and mentor.

Learn about Sunday dances here.

Your kindness is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your support,

Adam’s friends

Featured Photo Credit: Luna Buerger