The "C" word is something no one wants to hear.
But these [sarcoma] survivors… made the most of their life-changing diagnoses.
For some, cancer was the wake-up call they needed to pursue their dreams, while for others it taught them the importance of self-care. The lessons they learned are pretty damn inspiring.
It taught me to prioritize myself.
Type of cancer: Synovial sarcoma
Diagnosed at age: 31
Time in remission: 3 years
"After overcoming my rare synovial sarcoma soft tissue cancer, my life has 100 percent improved. I learned how to prioritize myself, to listen to my gut more, to be patient, to have perspective, and what spirituality is all about. My life now is filled with so much more appreciation and gratitude for our incredible bodies, [and] armed with the mindset that you can do anything, including the belief that one can heal from the inside-out. I finally understand what everyone means when they talk about self-love and self-worth. If I hadn’t reached those low lows, I don’t think I would be able to have found these high highs."
— Laura Wagstaff, 34
It introduced me to spirituality.
Type of cancer: Synovial sarcoma
Diagnosed at age: 24
Remission time: 11 months
"Before I was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma at age 25, I was living a fast-paced lifestyle where I consistently burnt myself out, saying 'yes' to every assignment and opportunity, taking everything for granted, and never truly living in the moment. My cancer gave me new eyes—a new zest and gratitude for the tiniest of things. I slowed down, started to embrace spirituality, became a wellness advocate, and above all, I had the introspective alone time to truly figure out the life that I wanted to live...not what the people around me or what my ego wanted. Overall, I am more present, mindful, loving, and fulfilled than ever before."
— Kara Ladd, 25