Member Stories: Meet Cristina

March 1, 2022

The theme of A Calendar to Live By 2022 is Perseverance. All 12 women who grace its pages have honest, inspiring stories of perseverance to share with readers -- as well as words of advice for other young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Read on to get to know more about Ms. March 2022.

Ms. July 2010   |   Diagnosed at 39 (2009)

Like many women, Cristina tried hard to put on a brave face for friends and family when she was going through breast cancer treatment, even if she wasn’t feeling good at all. She wanted to be sure her young daughter and her family didn’t worry, and she was concerned she would be a burden. Since then, Cristina has learned the value of self-care and works to make her own happiness a priority, including making time to do something she loves: traveling. “I no longer make excuses for not traveling to different places, even if it’s just for a weekend. I look forward to each day.” Before her diagnosis, she lost her older sister to breast cancer, which is why she pushed for her own screenings when she was in her 30s – one of the reasons her cancer was found and treated early.

She has always valued her ability to persevere, no matter what life throws at her. “I have had to overcome many obstacles in my life, but I have not let them define who I am. I have always been able to push through and accomplish whatever I put my mind to.” Her years since diagnosis have helped her learn to appreciate each moment as it comes.

Cristina has this advice for survivors: The one piece of advice that I would give is join a support group.  Being around other women who have been through or are going through what you going through will be so helpful. You will not only be able to discuss openly what’s on your mind but also learn through others experience.

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