Ronita, New Zealand

Expect the unexpected. 

I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in my thirties. What I had heard about cancer was simple: either it’s curable, or you die. But nothing prepared me for what survival would truly be like. It wasn’t just about making it through treatment—it was about dealing with the aftermath, the side effects, and the fear that never really goes away. As far as being "curable" is concerned, there is no such thing; instead, there is the constant shadow of recurrence and the effect it will have, not just on me but on my family.

Surviving cancer isn’t just about beating the disease; it’s about managing the ongoing impact on your body, your mind, and your loved ones. Support needs to be ongoing, because the challenges don't end when treatment does. Living with cancer—and after cancer—is about finding a new normal, and that journey is filled with ups and downs that no one can fully prepare you for.