Entries by Ariana Barrett

Traci

On June 20, 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Driving home from the doctor’s office upon diagnosis, I knew in my gut that I’d be able to fight this, that I’d do it with community and family, and that this was somehow a culmination of certain ways of being that I needed to transform […]

Dunya

It’s as if something inside me got re-calibrated.  My perception of my role in my family and my priorities and duties shifted entirely.  I began putting myself first with ease.  I tapped into that reserve strength we rarely get to use and I activated my healing, transforming from an off-kilter person to being intensely aware […]

Jacque

Breast cancer has given me many gifts.  I am the best person I have ever been.  I have learned that I have the strength and courage to accomplish any goal I set for myself; including earning an AA, BA, and Master’s degree…during two battles with breast cancer, a mastectomy, chemotherapy (both times), radiation, and eight […]

Racheli

At 21 years old, being diagnosed with cancer and putting my life on hold was scary.  I felt that I didn’t deserve this diagnosis, I didn’t deserve to be scarred in this way.  Now, a year and a half in remission, I value my scars and thank cancer for what it gifted me. Cancer, surprisingly […]

Jeanette

Cervical cancer has given me the precious gift of time.  Time to self-reflect, connect with survivors and cancer fighters, acquire knowledge, act on that new knowledge, and improve how I care for and nourish my body, mind and spirit.

Jo-Ann

As I took these photos I cried tears of anger, sadness, fear, strength and gratitude. So many emotions mixed into one and I’m reminded that I’m alive to be able to take these photos.  I struggled for a long time to figure out what in heaven’s name could breast cancer have gifted me?!!  Then it […]

Tanya

Cancer, in spite of being one of the worst things that has ever happened to me, has given me many gifts.  At 29 years old, the last thing on my mind was cancer, but as soon as I was diagnosed, I went into survival mode. I found strength that I never knew I was capable […]