Breakaway Stories

Nobody can speak about cancer better than those who have been there. Breakaway from Cancer®
has collected inspirational stories from patients who are going through, or have gone through,
their own cancer journey. Find encouragement from the shared experiences below.

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2012 Stories

2011 Stories

2010 Stories

2009 Stories

2008 Stories

Kathy and Marc were inspired to start Kathy's Camp for Kids, which serves as a support system for children of cancer patients.
At the age of 18 Danielle had her left foot amputated, but that didn't stop her from becoming a paratriathlete.
After Susan's 20-month-old granddaughter, Madyn, was diagnosed with leukemia, she became an advocate for awareness and fundraising with blood drives.
Bob Hammer is known for his work within the cancer community and starting the "Have a Ball" Foundation.
For many reasons, Natalie believes that cancer was a blessing and that it changed her life for the better.
Kristen's cancer journey and experiences inspired her to write and produce a five-minute video called "My Journey," about the two-year anniversary of her diagnosis.
Sherrie faced her aggressive breast cancer with grace and composure and always demonstrated a greater concern for others than for herself.
Despite having to face recurrence three times in six years, Joe has maintained a positive attitude.
When diagnosed with prostate cancer Dan's life turned from longtime advocate to patient.
Ken is a proud Marine who has fought for his country and will brave any fight that comes his way.
Amanda feels it's her responsibility as a survivor to be as open and honest about the whole experience, the good the bad and the ugly.
Calvin was inspired by fellow survivor Donna Guinn Kaufman and thanks her and the American Cancer Society for their support.
Peter says, "Cancer is a scary thing and I believe that education and awareness will help me better understand this cancer that affects 1 in 6 men."
Reine reached out to former Breakaway from Cancer Champion Steve Bartolucci, saying "I've just recently been diagnosed with cancer and I'd like you to help me Live STRONG."
Deleena watched Lance Armstrong videos for inspiration.
Every person who meets Leona is able to see the passion she has for finding a cure so that the world can break away from this horrible disease.
Prakashni says, "When I got the bone marrow transplant, it was a new life for me - a new birthday." She found a donor in her brother Anil, whom was stationed in Iraq.
Throughout his tough journey with cancer, Stu maintains his "never say die" attitude.
When Jackie was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, she found strength and courage from her daughter Taelor.
Linda says, "It's not about being vain, but about desperately trying to hold onto your sense of self when the sand is shifting under your feet."
Laura knew the importance of a strong support system, leaning on her friends and coworkers for inspiration and love.
After watching her mother fight breast cancer, Kristin knew the importance of exercising, eating healthy and faced cancer head on.
Cindy believes keeping a positive attitude is crucial when facing cancer; to be poisoned in order to live is a wild idea, but at this time, this is the way one is able to overcome cancer.
Blaine feels it his duty as a cancer survivor to be an advocate, as well as inspire people to overcome this disease.
Over a twelve-year battle with two stage 4 cancers while in her thirties, Angie learned the importance of family.
After her diagnosis Janet found a network with Cancer Support Community.
Karen believes that when you survive a tragedy or disease, it is because "you have a purpose" and she wants to find God's plan for her.
When only 15 years old, Jenny found out she had ovarian cancer. She is still living life with a smile on her face and continues to inspire others.
Through two diagnoses with colon cancer, Sam remains positive and uses his story to emphasize the importance of getting a colonoscopy.
Lindsay helps others find strength and courage by sharing her story and journey with breast cancer.
Caitlyn was diagnosed at 34 weeks gestational age with neuroblastoma. She is a source of hope for all that have met her and heard her story.
Melanie persevered through the burdens of school and everyday life, and graduated on time all while undergoing chemotherapy. She is an inspiration to her friends and cancer community.
Gutierrez calls her cancer diagnosis "a spiritual awakening." "It really reprioritized everything for me."
As a three-time survivor Jasan got involved in advocacy work and found comfort in writing.
After a third recurrence of lung cancer, Lance Armstrong's book "It's Not About the Bike" gave Lee the determination to get back on his bike.
Patricia's experience with breast cancer was a time of personal growth and a time to focus on her and her daughters' well being.
Scott urges everyone to be proactive in cancer prevention.
Rhonda is grateful to Patient Advocate Foundation for its support during her father's fight with brain cancer.
In 2008 at the age of 30, Patrick was fresh out of graduate school and two months into a ...
Sharishta turned to Cancer Support Community, Santa Monica during her journey with breast cancer.
Andy says of his wife Dottie, "Our relationship grew stronger as a result of my cancer diagnosis, because I was reminded every day how much my wife cared for me in new and inspiring ways."
Kristine stresses the importance of early detection, "Had I not said something to my dermatologist that day, I wouldn't have seen her again for months. It could have developed into life-threatening melanoma by then."
Mary-Ellen volunteered in a study for former smokers to honor her father who died of lung cancer. She tells everyone that early detection and prevention can save your life.
After losing Patrick, Andrea and Michael know the importance of reducing cancer risk through early screening and healthy living.
After beating the cancer, Marilyn resolved to do something every year to fight the fight and encourage others affected by cancer.
To help in emotional healing, Sandy described her struggles and triumphs in what turned into a self-published book titled, Life After Chemo.
Tricia is a huge believer in living a healthy lifestyle and being actively involved in the cancer community.
After finding inspiration in Lance Armstrong's book, Steve found solace in cycling.
Through Leo's cancer treatment, he is grateful to the staff at Sierra Nevada Hospital Cancer Center and his wife for their compassion.
Bone cancer and the resulting surgery did not stop 13-year-old Andreas from cycling.
Parker was diagnosed when he was just three years old. Now nine, he and his family have a new appreciation for life.
The parents of Pablo Castelaz keep his legacy alive through the Pablove Foundation, which gives money to improve the lives of children with cancer.
When Patrick was diagnosed with tongue cancer, he found support and strength from family, friends, and Cancer Support Community.
Alison believes she can be a messenger to inspire others by sharing her story.
Christopher's passion for cycling has been pivotal to his treatment, along with the support of his friends and family.
Annie's attitude toward cancer is, "Cancer is just a speed bump in the road of life!"
Tom tells others the importance of being proactive in prevention and staying healthy.
Linda believes in the importance of keeping a positive attitude and maintaining an active lifestyle during treatment.
Deborah wrote regular emails to friends updating on her progress during treatment, which helped her keep a positive outlook.
Without the support of her friends, family, and doctors Pam would not have kept a positive attitude.
After learning he had leukemia and undergoing a stem cell transplant, Mike has a strong appreciation for research and scientific advances.
Peter believes his defiance and the care at the Aspen Valley Hospital got him where he is today.
As a high school student, Angela was determined not to be a statistic and relied on her faith.
Lisa's motto for her family to follow: "There's always hope, and miracles happen all the time."
Beth credits the Peer Navigator Program at Stanford University, which pairs cancer patients with survivors.
Most importantly, Dan says, "Realize that you have cancer. It doesn't have you. Life is still worth living, maybe more so now."
Just 8 days after her last treatment, Deanna completed a triathlon.
Blaine enjoys meeting fellow cancer survivors and is amazed by the immediate powerful bond and mutual respect between them.
After two years of treatment for testicular cancer, Travis remains an active recreational cyclist and father to two young children.
Through her diagnosis and treatments, Charyl has put faith in God.
Mary suggests, "first listen to your heart and get through the sadness, anger and fear."
By attending the monthly meetings of the Santa Cruz Prostate Support Group, Joe learned that education is key, especially for men who do not like to go to the doctor.
Michele thanks cycling, her bicycle club and friends for being there and supporting her.
Janet was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2005 and believes exercise improves a person's odds to beat cancer.
Virginia turned to Cancer Support Community in Pasadena for support and strength.
After her third battle with cancer, Jere valued the support the Lance Armstrong Foundation and her loved ones provided.
Deborah has a new appreciation for life and has found strength within her family and Lance Armstrong's inspiring stories and books.
Sonia values the strength and support she found in The Wellness Community (now Cancer Support Community) in Pasadena.
Sandy says her doctors treated her cancer, but her husband healed her and for that she will be forever grateful.
Karen suggests those faced with cancer stay positive and get as many foot rubs, hugs and gentle massages as possible.
Jack suggests that other cancer survivors seek out second opinions, participate in group meetings and have faith.
Nadine says, "Cancer may have turned my life upside down, but it made me into a far better person than I ever thought possible."
He received strength to endure treatments from the positive energy of his wife and children, relatives, friends and his medical team.
Carol feels cancer was destiny because it provided her a level of understanding to support her sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years after her own diagnosis.
Following five years of treatment, Lori says, "We have come to know that our lives are blessed, and each day, no matter what, is worth living."
Nanci hopes her positive attitude can give others inspiration. She says, "I have cancer, cancer doesn't have me! Life is a journey and I'm loving every step!"
New doors opened for Linda and she cherishes the wonderful things that have resulted from something as tragic as her cancer diagnosis.
Serena says that believing she was a survivor, fighting back, and not being willing to give in to the disease helped her through those challenging times.
Ellen says, " Don't be afraid to ask for help or accept support. Living with cancer is possible, and it doesn't have to be an entirely negative experience."
After Katherine was diagnosed with breast cancer she found strength by participating in the Triumph Cycling Program.
Tom wants to remind people to live life one day at a time-and to live it like you've never lived it before.
Phil credits his career with helping him stay busy rather than feel sorry for himself, and he also credits his family and friends, especially his mother, for serving as a tremendous support system
Because of his experience, Samuel wants to deliver a message to the world: "By the time you reach the age of 50, it's time to schedule a colonoscopy."
Rita encourages cancer patients to seek out advice and ask questions.
Jane used her experience as a means to reach out to others. She learned to be vulnerable and what gratitude really is.
Jacob's leukemia diagnosis at age six came just six years after his brother Justin lost his battle to leukemia.
Tom's wife and daughters have helped keep things in perspective and remind him the importance of life.
One night, Patrick heard a powerful voice say, "Stop thinking about death!" Since that night Patrick's outlook on cancer has changed for the positive.
Created "Nancy's List" after fighting her way to a cure as a way for cancer survivors to connect and support one another.
Pat credits her disease as a true eye-opener and understands the value of life.
Justin's diagnosis came when his wife was 5 months pregnant with their first child. Now in remission, he is active with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training cycling program.
Vicki attributes her survival to the community that supported and carried her through treatment, especially The Wellness Community.