Aarti Sondhi
Aarti is an ex-banker and a certified nutrition fitness consultant. A mother of two, with a personal motto that can resonate with any and every individual diagnosed with cancer and those who have survived it.
Giving up is not an option as Cancer is only going to be a chapter in my life, not the whole story.
She was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in August 2020 and is currently undergoing treatment. The beauty of Aarti’s story is that she walks the talk. With an active social life, fitness expert, and a Mrs. Universe Middle East First Runner-up, she is living her life on her own terms.
“Women, in general, shy away to talk about health issues so battling a serious illness like cancer can be especially daunting as it affects you in every way you can imagine- physically, mentally, emotionally!” Knowing the problem is half of the solution. With that in mind, Aarti helps fellow women undergoing treatment fight, both physically and mentally through fitness against cancer. By doing so, she forges a connection with fellow women to build a network that supports each other.
To her, a quote by Melinda Gates does justice to what it means by being a strong woman – A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman.
By enabling her friends and others who are cancer patients and survivors to feel safe and comfortable to talk and share about their health, journey, and most importantly the side effects of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Accepting hair loss and mental deterioration are problems that must be faced with hope, courage, and inspiration to fight them head-on.
For Aarti, the best thing that anyone can do is to enable collaboration between women to build a community based on love and trust, to ensure that no one is alone in this fight against breast cancer.
Melissa Rose Wales
Melissa is a 25-year-old, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She found a big lump when she would lay down or raise her up, and like many of us, who see or find something different, had immediately googled it up. After visiting a gynecologist, thinking that the case would be benign, the doctor was certain that the situation was anything but normal. And, after a suite of tests, her fears were confirmed.
Her everyday life was turned upside down. This becomes all the more apparent when you consider that she had the rarest of breast cancers, called triple-negative breast cancer. But, none of this seems to have daunted Melissa’s spirit. Even after cancer had spread to her lungs, and knowing that one is never free from stage 4 cancer, she continued to follow her passion as a fashion illustration freelancer. Working from home, she drew when she felt sad, and now draws, even more, to help her find sense in all this.
I am still ongoing my treatment and I am so close to the finish line, says Melissa.
Melissa’s first step in becoming a hero began with finding a sense of empowerment when she began owning her baldness and flaws, with a beaming smile on her face. Being a fashion illustrator, she knew what style meant! So, she invested in fun wigs makeup, and clothes to create a new style for herself.
People often think it’s depressing, it’s restrictive and we are always sick of life. I have shown my family and everyone around me that it can be normalized.
But, yes, Melissa also points out the fact that one has a lot of adjusting to do after being
diagnosed with cancer. When one’s skin becomes covered in acne, gains weight, and the constant treatment, any individual will feel disheartened and tired.
But ignoring these temporary things help – knowing that I’m not alone in this helps, even working out sometimes and not letting cancer take small things like this away helps!
In November, she knows that she will be free and in remission. I am so ready to continue kicking cancer’s ass throughout my journey. We are tough and we are fighters.
Finally, as a hero she asks anyone diagnosed with cancer, to keep their friends and family close – have a support group. Join such communities to find relatable stories and connect with strong women. And, a last piece of advice, do not ignore signs of fatigue. Getting yourself checked, as a precaution is the best medicine.