Cancer Healing Journeys by ZenOnco.io & Love Heals Cancer

Mawisa Chauke is a triple-negative Breast cancer survivor. The initial symptom was a lump on her Breast. She underwent six weeks of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiotherapy and surgery as a part of the treatment. Mawisa was blessed to have a supportive family and friends throughout the treatment. Mawisa says," Cancer journey is not easy. But the earlier you accept it, earlier you fight against it and emerge victorious."

Terrilyn Renella is a three-time Cancer Thriver and Transformational Coach. In 2013 she developed a rare type of cancer in the Parotid Gland that came back three times and almost took her life. She underwent surgery, forty-five cycles of radiation therapy and some alternative treatments as a part of the treatment. She is very grateful to have a supportive family and medical team throughout her treatment. She has now been cancer-free for five years. She is also a motivational speaker and a powerful connector. She is currently writing a book to prove that connections are necessary for longevity which will be released soon.

Varsha Naran is a coach, inspirer, mentor and catalyst of action. She also refers to herself as a two-time gold medallist for having battled cancer twice. When Varsha was 25 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and survived. Ten years later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer a second time. As a coach, she brings generous sprinkles of wit and humour shares her story of courage, resilience and an unyielding joie de vivre to her clients. She is the founder of Lumière Coaching & Consulting, specializing in Corporate Coaching & Training, Women's empowerment coaching, and breast cancer well-being coaching. She uses her talents to help her clients reveal the limiting beliefs and mindsets that shape behaviour and impact relationships, health and performance by focusing on emotional agility and mindfulness. She can be contacted on [email protected] or www.varshanaran.com

Dr Ismat Gabula is a Breast Cancer Survivor and the founder of "BSE for life". She is passionate about inspiring and empowering women to take better care of their health - starting with breast health. She has spent the past three decades in health working in diagnostic ultrasound. She has also participated actively in research, working with Pfizer India and Dr Shoaib Padaria as a Project coordinator on multiple projects.

Now, having been at the intersection of being a doctor in a rapidly evolving diagnostic field, a patient living through breast cancer treatment, and a cancer survivor with fresh eyes to revisit Life's purpose itself, She is excited to bring it all together in her venture 'BSE for Life'. BSE for Life is an initiative to encourage women to proactively take care of themselves by breast self-examination to support early diagnosis, more accessible treatment, and significantly improved prognosis for breast cancer. She let her creative instincts run wild on canvas and paint for herself, family, and friends in her spare time.

Jon Acton is a Stage III colorectal Cancer Survivor. He had Crohn's disease for a long time. During a routine colonoscopy in September 2020, he was diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy as a part of the treatment. He is very blessed to have a supportive family and friends throughout the treatment. He says," Belief, and you can overcome any problems. Accept that Cancer is the new normal and half of the issues will be solved. It's ok not to be ok".

Swagatika Acharya is a Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma survivor & a motivational speaker. She is also a trained Odissi dancer & optimistic woman. She graduated with BBA LLB and is the youngest Survivor to have her Cancer care trust registered as "Awaaken Cancer Trust", working for the betterment of Cancer fighters across Odisha. She aims for a Cancer-free nation ahead and believes that if we accept & believe in ourselves, not only Cancer, we can face any life challenge. She loves challenges & working dedicatedly for whatever she does. Her strengths are a positive approach to life & her battle with Cancer. Her weakness is her strength because weakness can't harm you if you don't care for them. She loves travelling, trekking, gardening & living a quality life with a big Smile. She loves smiling & sharing smiles & happiness. "When we smile back at our problems, they run away from us & that's the formula of how I deal with my problems."

Michele Cerami is a cancer patient advocate and a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor. She is in her 21 years of remission. One day she felt a lump on her groin area without any symptoms. She consulted the doctor, and it was diagnosed as non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer on further tests. She underwent four months of chemotherapy and four weeks of radiation therapy as a part of the treatment. She says, "Cancer can be scary, but if you have a good support system, you can easily overcome it. Practice yoga and meditation; it helps. Also, be mindful of your thoughts. Take one day at a time".

MaryAnn Bradley is a Lung Cancer Survivor and Patient advocate. Initially, she had pain in the left side of her neck. She took some medications, but the pain was not relieved. It was diagnosed as cardiac disease initially, but later on further tests, Lung Cancer was detected. She underwent Right Upper Lobectomy as a part of the treatment. She had an excellent support system throughout the journey. She, along with her friend, started "Canadian Lung Cancer Advocacy", and so far, they have 289 members in their group. She says smoking is not always associated with Lung Cancer. This stigma must be removed entirely through awareness.

Subha Lakshmi is a caregiver to her mother who had breast cancer. She is a 27 year old IT professional. Her mother was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in April 2018 and passed away in May 2020, after 2 years of treatment. Being the sole financial bearer in her family of four. She took care of her mother financially, emotionally and physically throughout the journey. Today she shares her panorama of her mother’s cancer journey. Seeing her mother from close throughout her journey, she believes that a caregiver should create a positive environment around the patient. It is an important part of the treatment plan.

Kavita Kelkar is a Colorectal Cancer survivor. In the year 2017, one day, she fainted, and during the routine check-up and on further tests, it was diagnosed as Colorectal Cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy as a part of the treatment. She is also an active member of the Ostomy Association of India. She was blessed to have an excellent medical team and supportive family throughout the cancer journey. Kavita says, " Positivity is the main key. Be positive and nothing can stop you".