A cancer journey can feel like a lonely and isolating experience. Whether you’re the patient or their caregiver, know that you are not alone! Not only do you have the love and support of your friends and family along with the counsel of experienced medical professionals, but you have a host of cancer survivor’s eager to share their stories – and their solidarity.
No one truly understands cancer unless they’ve been through it themselves. That’s why the words and encouragement of cancer survivors are so important and impactful!
If you or your child is going through a cancer journey, allow these quotes to inspire you to hold on to hope for the future.
10 Hope-Filled Quotes from Cancer Survivors
#1) Kristina Kotlus
"It’s a choice to see joy. Choose it. It’s really easy to let the severity and awfulness of your diagnosis take over, but you can choose to acknowledge things are bad, but then focus your energy on even the tiniest blessings until you see more and more each day you’re able to be here, whether that’s 50 days or 50 years."
#2) Nora Kulkarni
“Parents with children who have cancer: I was your child 30 years ago, and I’m here today.”
#3) Al Wallace
"Beating cancer has been a team effort for me. I couldn’t have done it, and I can’t continue to fight it, without help. But it all starts with me, a cancer survivor. It all starts with me trying to help others become cancer survivors too."
#4) Julie Stokes
There’s no greater weapon in your personal fight against cancer than focusing on your joy. I made a decision early on — that I could either have cancer and be miserable or have cancer and be full of joy whenever physically possibly. Loving life and being present in every moment you’re lucky enough to share with family and friends will not only help you defeat cancer but will keep you focused on what matters while you’re beating it.”
#5) Heather Von St. James
“When hope is in the equation, the odds don’t matter.”
#6) Erika Evans
"It’s possible not just to survive, but to thrive and to live a healthy, wonderful life again."
#7) Evan L.
“You will get through it. If you have friends and family around you, definitely lean on them. They will be there for you no matter what the case may be. Just keep your head up. Stay positive. I think it’s very important that you know you will get through it. It’s just time, it’s just patience, and protocol. There are many great doctors and nurses out there that are on your side and they’re going to get you through it. It does get better.”
#8) Ashley R.
“…When you connect with someone that also has just cancer in general, whether it be breast or any of it, we understand each other in a way that others can’t understand us and we understand a different outlook on life, that others can’t understand.”
#9) Renee Exelbert
“Being a cancer survivor is like being shaken in a kaleidoscope. You grasp for your bearings, desperate to find your balance amidst the chaos. When the dust finally settles, there is a new constellation of colors that are magical and beautiful.”
#10) Charlotte Shaff
“When you are diagnosed, surround yourself with the best medical providers and uplifting friends. Going through cancer is scary and you can easily go down a path of negativity and darkness. But you can’t let yourself do that. You need to have positivity and encouragement from others. It truly does help you through your healing.”
The Bottom Line…
Everyone’s cancer journey is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But take heart – countless survivors have charted the way for your child. With community support, medical advancements, and a profound sense of determination, cancer patients face better outcomes than they ever have in history.
Hold on to hope and hold on to your network of support.
Though platitudes do little to ease the pain, the encouragement and experience of other survivors help us see a light at the end of the tunnel. With strong support, great medical teams, and a sense of unyielding hope, we can kick childhood cancer together!