Cancer Advocate Spotlight: Diana Paradowski
Diana Paradowski
24-year breast and ovarian cancer survivor
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It took me 24 years and four brushes with cancer to finally comprehend that I truly can live well with this disease. Once I accepted that fact, I became determined to devote the rest of my days to helping others live with cancer.
While being treated for my most recent cancer diagnosis, I realized that my fellow chemo colleagues in the cancer center shared the same worries about their ability to meet the daily challenges complicated by their illness. Regardless of the type of cancer we had, we also all had stories to share that might inspire others. As neighbors, I think we owe it to ourselves and our community to fight as hard and long as we can and, when possible, find a way to give back to others who are fighting alongside us.
Understanding that, I started the Alger Cancer Support Fund in October 2008 to help relieve the emotional and financial burden on fellow cancer survivors. Through ACSF support groups, we share our experiences and thoughts with survivors, caregivers and families. With monies raised, we help survivors with transportation costs to and from treatment, living costs, wig purchases and other important expenses to ease their financial worries. Our volunteers are “crusaders” and while we are small in number, we wield the power of experience and empathy to help others through a difficult time.
I was 26 years old when I first was diagnosed with cancer. Nearly half of my life has been spent worrying and wondering whether the cancer is going to bring me down. At this point, I choose to accept what God has in store for me and live with it. While doing so, I remain committed to reaching out to others and returning some of the joy and support that my community has given me.
