My family is stronger than ever. I allow myself to take the time that I need to be healthy. I don't feel obligated to do things anymore, but choose to focus on what is best for me and my family. I have developed a network of over 25 women that have been diagnosed and use each other as a support system.
I chose to deliberately and consciously dedicate my life - in and outside of my employment - to educate, advocate, and learn how best to represent the collective cancer community. Through my own experience surviving cancer and working in the medical space, I want to bridge the gap between the healthcare system and the communities that it serves.
If I could go back in time and decide my own fate, I would allow myself to get cancer due to how it changed my perception of life. The sun looks brighter, the grass looks greener, and the world looks bigger.
Cancer showed me that my time is precious, that my relationships are precious, that my life is precious, and that I need to protect my energy at all costs. I’ve found a new purpose and am now focused on the things that matter most.
I found purpose and meaning in my life after so much trauma. I feel like I am here to help other women. I wouldn't be living an incredible life that is better than what I could have ever imagined without cancer. I don't live in fear. I am present with people and found out who my people are.
Cancer taught me what is really important. I've learn to cherish moments, create memories and celebrate milestones. I've learned that everybody dies, not everyone lives.
Cancer showed me with striking clarity that love was what mattered most in life! Love! Love for myself and strengthening loving relationships with my husband, children, family and friends. It seems so simple, yet it took coming face to face with death to gain this fresh perspective which is revolutionizing my life!
Cancer taught me patience, letting go of what we cannot control, the power of our mind, gratitude, and a great appreciation of the present. It also radically changed the way I look at life. I have more clarity and I am proud of how strong and resilient I have become.
Coming up on my 20th year of survivorship, my world has never revolved around the fear of cancer, but rather how grateful I am to be able to live the life I have lived.
I learned the importance of health and to be thankful everyday you are alive. Cancer made me realize family and your health are really all that matters.
I look at life through a lens that I never would have prior to having experienced cancer as a child, then as a young adult. Each and every breath is a gift and moment that shouldn't be wasted.
I no longer sweat the small stuff. I also feel like I appreciate the small moments more now and just see life through a more beautiful lens. My faith in there being so many good people in our world was restored!
My dream was for a center where all cancer patients and their family members can get better prepared to deal with the enormous challenges of this disease, regardless of their ability to pay.
Cancer led me to a deeper awakening of compassion, wanting to help others going through similar situations, and wanting to heal my past wounds, especially with my family.
My cancer crisis inspired me to take better care of myself and family. It sparked a burning desire in me to become an active participant in my well-being journey. I embarked on a wellness revolution to reclaim control over my health and happiness - and have never looked back. Cancer can be a great teacher. When facing down our fragility, cancer teaches us so many lessons about what it means to truly live.
Cancer put me on the path of what I was born to do: help others going through a traumatic experience. I help survivors understand the importance of health and discover a new version of themselves that can accomplish what their soul wants to in this lifetime.
Cancer made me realize that I am not invincible, and that you only live once. Nobody knows when their last day is, so make those memories for yourself and your loved ones.
Metastatic RET Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Ilana Stromberg
No matter how long I live, this diagnosis makes me vey conscious of wanting to live like the memory I want to be - a kinder, gentler version of myself.
Cancer has given me a profound sense of gratitude and made me much more aware of all the good that surrounds me in both the everyday and in the extraordinary.
It sounds crazy to say, but it may have been one of the best things that happened to me. I reduced my alcohol intake. I have made it a top priority that I am stress-free, calm, well-rested, and have a healthy diet. The illness gave me a reawakening to always having joy of my life.
Being a long-term survivor of 5 cancers lets me use my challenges for the good of other people. My story is not a sob story about what I have been through, but is a success story about how I have been through it.
As much as I hate cancer, my diagnosis was a breakthrough I didn't wish for. I believe it didn't happen to me, but For me, and in many ways, my life has changed for the better.
Cancer has become the biggest blessing in disguise that I have received in my life. It changed the way I was living and allowed me to find my soul's aligned path in life.
Cancer allowed me to find strength I never knew I had. I’ve started a non-profit, my art has become better and more intense as has my zest for life and love of people. I pray and meditate so much more now.
Cancer didn’t bring me to my knees, it brought me to my feet. I am kinder, friendlier, more patient & understanding. I appreciate everything in life: people, family, friends, art, music & poetry. I mentor other cancer patients.
Cancer led me to my purpose and passion in life, which is nutrition, mindfulness and holistic health. Without cancer, I wouldn't have as strong of a relationship as I do with my mind and body, and wouldn't have started helping others who are going through cancer treatment or survivorship.
Cancer taught me (admittedly, in hindsight) that I cannot control the course of my life by holding on tighter. The more I try to stranglehold, the less control I actually have.
Cancer made me wake up and realize the bigger picture of life. It has brought me to my purpose - to help survivors recover. Cancer taught me how strong I actually am, how to face my fears, and ultimately how important overall health is. There is no life to live without your health and well-being!
I learned to have a heightened awareness and appreciation of "the little things." I have much better communication with others, and far more empathy. Most importantly, I have realized the value of my time and saying "no."
Cancer has positively affected my life by giving me and my family true perspective. It enables you to become laser focused on what truly matters and prioritize those things daily.
Cancer has completely changed my life and I am thankful for the place I’m at. I’ve become a mom, participated in national fundraisers, advocacy, and even shared my story with legislators who are fighting to update the Breast Care Equity Act.
Cancer made me reprioritise myself, gave me the time to be present and see the beauty that was around me. Cancer has shown me that I needed to heal more than my physical body.
I never expected to write a book, but cancer has given me a sense of purpose to help others by being honest and authentic about the emotional challenges cancer brings.
Cancer allowed me to slow down, listen to my body, and reconnect with my voice. When confronted with the impermanence of life, all that remained was peace and self acceptance. That sense of clarity and peace continues to empower me to live a wholehearted purposeful life.
This diagnosis has allowed me to slow down and take inventory of my life and the people around me. It has allowed me to re align with my authentic self, whom I lost trying to be a high achiever and perfect in an imperfect world.
I appreciate each day that I wake up even more than before, and am so grateful for the amazing life, family, and friends that I have been blessed with.
As hard as this journey was/is, I am crazy enough to believe that every drop of chemo not only killed the bad/good cells, but it destroyed the imposter syndrome that held me back. I’m crazy enough to believe that every round of radiation burned off the pressure of perfectionism. I’m also crazy enough to believe that my struggle with anxiety was removed with every surgical excision. We all have crucible moments and turning points at unexpected times that have transformed us into our true selves. I am a better person because of my cancer journey.
I see life through a different lens now. Everyday I wake up I thank God I am breathing. I don't take things for granted and I am much more grateful for the small things/moments in life. I give back to others now since so many people helped me and my family when I was sick.
25 of the most meaningful, survivor-tested tips to help you prepare, fight, and heal. Designed to complement your treatment plan, The Guide outlines trusted steps to take so you can jumpstart healing and Do Cancer!
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