Ana, Portugal

On this World Cancer Day, my reflection is on the naked and raw truth of survival. When I received my diagnosis, I expected to face fear, but I didn't expect to face abandonment from the one who promised to stand by my side.

They say that in illness we get to know ourselves, but I also met the face of lovelessness. Being left by my partner while I fought for my life was a pain that no medication could numb. Cancer tried to take my health; abandonment tried to take my dignity.

Today, I look back and realize: those who couldn't weather my storm do not deserve my sunshine. I survived both the disease and the loneliness. I discovered that my healing began the day I learned to walk alone, carrying only what does me good.

My greatest victory wasn't just defeating the sick cells; it was rebuilding my heart upon the ruins of someone who didn't know how to stay.