From Cancer to Coaching: How One Woman’s Diagnosis Sparked a Global Mission of Healing

From Diagnosis to Purpose: A Survivor’s Journey of Resilience and Renewal

At 34, I Faced Breast Cancer—Now I Help Others Rediscover Their Strength, Wellness, and Joy

The Life I Was Living Before Cancer

At just 34 years old, I was chasing dreams, building my career in biotech, and considering starting a family when everything changed. I had no symptoms, pain, or discomfort—but I found a lump in the center of my breast. Everyone tried to reassure me: “You’re young, it’s probably nothing.” But something inside me knew different.

The Moment Everything Changed

My primary care doctor referred me to a breast surgeon to explore a possible lumpectomy and biopsy, and to a breast oncologist—just as a backup. During my ultrasound-guided biopsy, I was terrified by the sight of the large needle and the idea of undergoing the procedure awake. I had no idea that this would be the first of many difficult procedures in the years ahead.

Diagnosis at 34: ER/PR+ Breast Cancer

At the time, I was working for a major biotech company in Boston and received care at Mass General Hospital. The radiologist who performed my biopsy was a compassionate woman, but I left the procedure with a sinking feeling.

A few days later, around 2 p.m., my breast surgeon personally called me. The biopsy confirmed ER/PR+ breast cancer. For the next minute, I heard nothing. Just the word: oncologist. How could I be meeting with an oncologist at 34, with no family history and no prior health issues?

Treatment: The Road Through Hell and Healing

My life flipped overnight. What followed was a whirlwind of medical appointments, eight rounds of chemotherapy, two surgeries, and 35 sessions of radiation therapy. I now receive monthly Lupron injections and take daily exemestane tablets—standard treatments for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

What Cancer Taught Me About Life

Before breast cancer, I thought there would always be more time—more chances, more days. Now, I find deep joy in simple things: birdsong in my garden, a clear blue sky, the scent of rain-soaked earth, and the sheer privilege of getting out of bed each morning. I hold time with my loved ones even closer to my heart.

Motherhood After Diagnosis

I am now a mother. My most sacred moments are the ones where I’m coloring with my daughter, telling her stories, or dancing to music together—completely lost in joy. These are the memories I now fight to create and protect.

A New Path: From Pharmacist to Wellness Coach

I’m a pharmacist by background and worked in drug safety research across biotech and pharma. But cancer made me question everything—my identity, my purpose, my passion. I began a journey of learning, diving into nutrition, wellness, and holistic healing. That journey led me to a new calling: becoming a Resilience and Wellness Coach.

Helping Others Thrive After Cancer

Today, I support other survivors, thrivers, and those navigating their own health journeys. I’ve always loved connecting with people and learning their stories, cultures, turning points, and quiet victories. Coaching became a natural extension of my own healing—blending the science of medicine with the art of listening and the belief that transformation lives within each of us.

Turning Pain into Purpose

I’m committed to having these meaningful conversations earlier—so people can begin living wholeheartedly *before* illness or crisis becomes the turning point. While I would never choose cancer, I have chosen to use it as a force for good. I hope my journey reminds others that even in life’s darkest moments, healing and hope can emerge.

A Message from Learn Look Locate

At Learn Look Locate, Joanne’s courageous battle against breast cancer touches our hearts deeply. We are honored to share her story, offering a platform for survivors to come together, learn, and find solace in one another’s experiences. Through our diverse range of resources, including Joanne’s survivor narrative, our mission is to empower individuals at every phase of their cancer journey. We proudly stand by Joanne and all those who demonstrate remarkable courage, celebrating their strength and reminding the world that hope shines brightest, even amidst life’s greatest trials.