Courageous Women Fighting Cancer

One third of all women in the US will develop cancer at some point during their lifetimes (American Cancer Society). To me, the statistic is downright shocking and scary.

But the statistic doesn’t give insight into the individuals fighting the condition. As I’ve learned from reading Care2 blogs from Ann Pietrangelo — who has chronicled her journey with breast cancer — cancer can take certain parts of the body (a breast in her case), but it doesn’t have the power to steal the voice or spirit. Her words are more profound than ever.

I was reminded of Ann when I read about a retreat, aptly called Courageous Women, Fearless Living for women experiencing cancer. This retreat seems to also embody the message that women can be empowered and awakened while facing cancer. As stated on the website:

We may lose a breast, our uterus, and most certainly our hair—causing us to reflect on how we identify as women, mothers, lovers, or nurturers. However, when gently and skillfully embraced, facing our mortality and the fragility of life can be a vehicle for profound healing and awakening—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Whether it’s cervical, ovarian, or breast cancer that radically alters our lives, the question is, how can we navigate this potentially confusing and often heartbreaking terrain in the most empowering way?

Heartbreaking terrain — no doubt. But it’s definitely filled with some powerful and inspiring drivers.

For women touched by cancer, you may want to consider joining the retreat taking place at Shambhala Mountain Center on August 23 – 28, 2011. Check the site for scholarship and giveaway opportunities.

We are very lucky at Care2 to have a wonderful team of courageous (women and men!) bloggers. Thankfully, Linda Sparrowe will be joining Care2 as a guest blogger. Linda, an amazing writer, yoga teacher, and mentor, will be leading and teaching yoga at the Courageous Women retreat. We invite you to get to know Linda more through this retreat and here on Care2.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Ettore C.

6:48AM PDT on Mar 17, 2012

The only disability in life is a bad attitude. Never, never, never give up! Strength, courage and love go out to all cancer fighters & survivors!

send a green star

Holly L.

9:24PM PST on Mar 9, 2012

Such beautiful women ...how Graced we are to have you in our midst!

Treesa M.

2:05AM PDT on Jul 30, 2011

thank you Megan and Linda...God bless you both

Gaby D.

11:21PM PDT on Jul 28, 2011

Here's wishing strength, wisdom and loads of love to all those that are facing cancer in their lives, whether it is you or a loved one. I understand what Amy is saying:" I'm merely following my instinct to survive'. And I think that is an important point....we try to divide the world into those that have cancer and those that don't......and very often people with cancer do receive that 'look' from others .....please think about what that means ...here you are working hard to get better and survive when people give you this 'look' : looking as if you are dying! Hmm....just great isn't it? Downright annoying, discuouraging and infuriating!! However, well meant. I also understand the 'You are so brave' comment......we all think that when/if faced with cancer we couldn't possibly be that brave.......truth is...when push comes to shove....we all want to live.....so yep, we all 'are just as brave'. You do what you have to do!! Good post, tks for sharing....and to all those out there facing cancer...I'm not sure if this is the place to do so but a recent movie that I've seen, deserves more attention. Pls forgive me if you think this is out of place. For those interesested: www.burzynskimovie.com. My jaw dropped to the floor a quite a few times watching this documentary. I wish you all good health and a wonderful day!

Julie-Anne F.

4:15PM PDT on Jul 28, 2011

I am a 2-time cancer survivor; I wish I felt as strong and brave as everyone thinks I am.To me, bravery is when you have a choice about facing danger and doing it anyway. Cancer treatment doesn't give you many choices; you just have to get through it. Today, I'm stuck on the couch because the post-cancer thyroid meds have made me heat intolerant and I a too dizzy to do anything but be still. Cancer sucks!

Monica K.

10:52AM PDT on Jul 28, 2011

Watching my big sister die of leukemia was like watching the metamorphosis of a butterfly. As the disease and the treatments burned away the inconsequentials of her life, her spirit and the core of who she was burned so brightly that she drew people to her like moths. She was strong, brave, kind, wise, generous and forgiving. She was humorous, understanding, loving, compassionate, tolerant and, yes,again, brave. She was not religious, but she was spiritual and as it became obvious that she wouldn't win her six year battle, she seemed to see her death as the next great adventure. She never saw herself as a victim of cancer. When she died, for a time, all the light went out in the world. I'm sorry Amy D. that you don't see yourself as brave, but heroes always claim it wasn't bravery, but only necessity that fueled their fight. But you ARE my hero and those of us who helplessly watch you and others battle this dread disease, stand in awe of your incredible bravery. We can only hope that should the battle come to us, we too have the strength to face our own mortality and yet fight on.

Dana A.

8:37AM PDT on Jul 28, 2011

Thank You Amy!!! I have had cancer 3 times and hate the "you"re so brave" comment. You said it beautifully..its not bravery.. it's neccessity and the survival instinct at its finest.

Amy D.

8:09AM PDT on Jul 28, 2011

I am not belittling people who are an inspiration to others and this is my personal experience only. I have Stage IV breast cancer and am doing remarkably well for the past 2-l/2 years. I have no side effects from chemotherapy. However, I do personally get annoyed when someone says "you are so brave". Is that because they don't know what else to say? Stop looking at me as if I am dying. A soldier facing battle and possible death is brave. A fireman running into a burning building is brave? A police officer facing criminals is brave. How am I brave? I'm not. You have NO choice when you are dealt this hand. I simply am living my life to the best of my ability like every other single person on the planet. There is no difference between me and any one who does not have cancer. We are all striving to survive. I am not a hero by any means. It is a natural human reaction to want to survive and that's all it is.

Teresa W.

5:29AM PDT on Jul 28, 2011

Sending a Green Star is a simple way to say "Thank you"
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