About GOTZO
A quiet approach to supportive oncology food education.
GOTZO was founded and is led by Lina Nagaya,
an oncology-focused food educator based in New York.
Her work centers on supportive oncology nutrition education at the intersection of nutrition science, end-of-life studies, and lived experience.
Why This Work Exists
Lina lost her father to terminal cancer.
During his illness, she witnessed how eating — once ordinary — became complicated, emotional, and uncertain.
Meals were no longer just nourishment.
They became moments of tension, care, fear, and hope.
She saw how families are often left to navigate these changes with little structured, practical guidance.
This work exists because of that experience.
Professional Direction
That personal experience led to formal academic training in nutrition and thanatology, with a focused interest in supportive oncology nutrition education.
Her work bridges lived understanding with evidence-informed guidance — offering practical support grounded in both compassion and structure.
This work is educational in nature and does not replace clinical care provided by Registered Dietitians or physicians.
A Quiet Philosophy
Food is more than nutritional content.
It carries memory, culture, and relationship.
During serious illness, eating becomes layered — physical symptoms, emotional strain, and family dynamics intersect at the table.
GOTZO approaches oncology nutrition education with restraint and clarity.
Not rigid rules.
Not fear-based messaging.
Not miracle claims.
Instead: practical guidance, respect for medical boundaries, and attention to human dignity.