The new year is a time to reset, refocus, and rejoice in the milestones that define us. For cancer survivors, the turning of the calendar symbolizes so much more—it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and the victories that come from facing challenges head-on.
Finding Strength in Community
Cancer is often described as a solitary battle, but for many survivors, the power of community becomes their strongest ally. Dr. Edward Wright, a prostate cancer survivor, reflected on how much his support system helped him during his journey:
“I’ve learned that prostate cancer is a silent killer, but we can’t be silent. It takes a village to get through this thing,” he shared. Edward’s diagnosis led him to start the We Can Win Foundation, focusing on encouraging men—particularly men of color—to prioritize early detection and screenings. As he puts it, “99 out of 100 men will die with prostate cancer, not from it. That fact alone kept me going.”
Redefining Beauty and Self-Acceptance
Joy Croel, a survivor of breast cancer and someone living with vitiligo, knows what it means to face the mirror with courage. When she first noticed the white spots on her skin, she struggled to accept them.
“My daughter would tell me over and over, ‘Mom, you’re beautiful,’ until I started to believe her,” she said. Her journey with breast cancer deepened her appreciation for life: “If you wake up in the morning, live. Don’t let cancer or vitiligo steal your life. Live every minute.”
For Joy, the combination of faith and community was instrumental in her healing. Her openness about her experiences inspires others to find the strength to keep going, even on the hardest days.
Embracing Life Fully
For Rashad Hayes, being diagnosed with follicular lymphoma at just 22 years old changed his entire outlook. A former athlete who thought he was invincible, had to confront a new reality.
“Before cancer, I was just surviving. Now, I’m living—really appreciating the moments and opportunities life gives,” Rashad shared. His diagnosis taught him to listen to his body and advocate for himself in ways he hadn’t before.
Rashad’s positive outlook keeps him moving forward: “Follicular lymphoma is just that roommate that has to live with me. I’m not living with it.”
A New Year, A New Chapter
The stories of Edward, Joy, and Rashad remind us that survivorship is more than just a status—it’s an active choice to live fully, embrace every moment, and uplift others in the process. Whether it’s creating a foundation, encouraging others to see their beauty, or learning to advocate for your health, there’s power in sharing your story.
If you’re navigating life after cancer or have questions about your health, you’re not alone. We recently spoke with Dr. Marsh, who offered expert advice on common cancer questions. Her insights might be exactly what you’re looking for—watch the full conversation here.
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