Finding Strength in Community: The Power of a Tribe on the Cancer Journey – Judy Medeiros Fitzgerald

“Yesterday I returned from SABCS (San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference), where I was blessed to be among the most amazing patient advocates. The best part of this experience is the ‘advocate lounge’ where we have an opportunity to network with fellow survivors and those living with metastatic disease. These are incredible women who are dedicated to supporting research to end this disease.  It exemplifies a blog a wrote:  Diagnosed with Breast Cancer….You Will Need A Tribe!

This conference is a place of hope where survivors are privileged to speak directly with researchers #GRASPCANCER who listen to our concerns and dedicate their lives to making ours better.  This conference is like a pilgrimage where we come together each year to support each other and mourn those we lost in the last 12 months.  I’ll share here points from my article.

When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you are forced to face your own mortality.  That alone is daunting, but you also have to face that the road ahead will includes surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and after all that is done, uncertainty.  People will offer to help but at times you won’t even know what to ask.

Cancer is a daunting word that carry a heavy weight. The diagnosis of cancer can feel like being adrift in an unfamiliar sea with no one in sight. The treatments, the endless hospital visits, and the uncertainty of the future can create a sense of profound isolation. It’s a path that many have to walk alone, but it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s a journey that not only affects the physical health of an individual but also takes its toll on their emotional and mental well-being. In the midst of this storm, one essential factor emerges as a beacon of hope – you need for a tribe.

A tribe, a group of individuals who understand your journey, can provide the support and companionship needed to navigate the turbulent waters of cancer. They are the ones who can offer a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and a hand to hold during the darkest times. Building a tribe is not a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to your strength in seeking help when it’s most needed.

In the digital age, finding a tribe has never been easier. Online support groups, forums, and social media platforms offer avenues to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. These virtual tribes can provide a sense of belonging and understanding that transcends physical boundaries.

Connecting with others who have walked in your shoes can be a powerful source of comfort and inspiration. Sharing stories, exchanging advice, and simply knowing that you are not alone in your struggles can uplift the spirit in ways that words cannot fully capture. Your tribe becomes your extended family, offering solace in times of distress and celebrating victories, no matter how small.

The silence that often surrounds cancer can be deafening. Friends and family, while well-meaning, may struggle to comprehend the depth of your emotions and fears. This is where a tribe shines brightly. They don’t shy away from the difficult conversations, the tears, and the raw vulnerability that comes with battling a life-threatening illness.

Being vulnerable is not a weakness; it’s a courageous act of opening yourself up to others. In the safety of your tribe, vulnerability is met with empathy, understanding, and unwavering support. It’s in these moments of shared vulnerability that bonds are forged, and healing begins.

Just as a garden requires care and attention to flourish, so does your tribe. Nurture these relationships, offer your support in return, and create a safe space where everyone feels valued and heard. The strength of a tribe lies in its unity and its ability to weather the storms together. Cancer may be a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary one. Reach out, connect, and build your tribe – a community that understands, supports, and uplifts you through every twist and turn of this challenging path.

Remember, you are not alone. and Cancer is a Word NOT a Sentence! For more information, visit my website: https://www.sisters4prevention.com/.”

written by Judy Medeiros Fitzgerald
Founder of Sisters4Prevention

Judy Medeiros Fitzgerald is the Founder of Sisters4Prevention, established in 2010 following her diagnosis of bilateral breast cancer in 2009. Since then, she has become an advocate for breast cancer prevention, focusing on diet and lifestyle changes to support cancer survival and promoting the development of a vaccine for primary breast cancer prevention.

Judy manages all aspects of content creation, including writing, conceptualizing, and promoting material for the Sisters4Prevention website, podcast, and YouTube channel.