Cancer Healing Journeys by ZenOnco.io & Love Heals Cancer

Susan Rienzo is a stage 3 Ovarian Cancer Survivor. Her cancer journey began in the year 2016. The support from her loved ones and medical experts gave her hope and faith in what she was undergoing. She stayed positive throughout the cancer journey and letting people take care of her helped her the most. The thought to witness more in life, especially with her loved ones gave her the strength to fight against cancer. Cancer has made her realize that it is important to appreciate each moment of your life, listen to your body, and take care of yourself.

Anuja Raina is a Pancreatic Cancer Caregiver. Her mother was diagnosed at the age of 54 in the year 2010 with Stage 2 Pancreatic Cancer, as the diagnosis was not done at the early stage. Initially, it was hard to identify cancer even after undergoing numerous tests for 2-3 months due to a lack of awareness about the testing criteria. As a proud daughter, Anuja still remembers her mother dealing with cancer very strongly till the end. She passed away in the year 2011 when the quality of treatment was not as advanced as present in India.

Ali Belmadani is a Sarcoma Cancer Survivor who was diagnosed with this rare disease at the age of 26. It is evident that this disease has molded this brave individual into a more vigorous version of himself. His friends and family were his biggest support and helped him to heal mentally and physically throughout the cancer journey. Presently, he makes sure that he inspires and motivates others through his change in lifestyle. His love and passion for sports did not even after he found himself in a wheelchair. This unstoppable warrior wants all cancer patients and caregivers not to be afraid of this disease, to face the situation fearlessly, and focus on their lifestyle.

Varsha Dixit is a breast cancer survivor, who was diagnosed at the age of 65 years. Despite the physical, emotional and mental upheaval that cancer brought in her life, Varsha never lost hope. Her family is her biggest strength. She says that it is very important for a cancer patient to remain positive and not lose hope during this arduous journey. Additionally, it is equally important to strictly follow the diet plan recommended by the doctor and to never stop being active at any step during this entire process

Heather Ranelle is a singer songwriter and a brain cancer survivor, who was diagnosed with cancer in April, 2018. She beat cancer through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and positive visualization. Throughout the journey, she told herself that it’s all a temporary process and there are times in life when we get a rock at the bottom of our foot that we step on, but we must continue to move on. Her advice to others walking this path- Remember that life is a constant change.

Julia Valentina Ojeda is two times Acute Myeloid Leukemia survivor, who despite plummeting into depression at the raw age of 15 years, not only beat the depression associated with cancer, but also beat the disease itself. She has been cancer free for 22 years now. Despite having to deal with a number of side-effects due to the treatment therapy, Julia never lost hope. Today, she is not only a cancer survivor but also a certified wellness coach who helps others kick-start their journey towards healing, changing and getting inspired.

Mr. Hemant Mishra, caregiver for his wife Mrs. Neelam Mishra, who had Ovarian Cancer, devoted 3 years of his life to completely taking care of his better half. He was there with Neelam throughout the journey as her eyes, nose and ears. Their two daughters, son and their grandchild were their biggest strength, who constantly stood by them. Even when the rest of the family started having negative thoughts about the prognosis of the disease, Neelam stayed positive, strongly believing that the disease was only a minor illness and that she would be in good health in no time. Mr. Mishra’s philosophy throughout the process was that it’s a give and take in life. Neelam had taken care of him for 32 years and he had been doing so only for a year. So, he still had 31 years to do the same. This used to bring a huge smile to her face.

Anirudh Sarkar was a caregiver to her daughter Tanaya who was diagnosed with Leukemia. Initially, her symptoms were stomach aches, and she started getting anaemic. On further tests, she was diagnosed with Leukemia. She underwent six cycles of chemotherapy as a part of the treatment. Anirudh's advice to caregivers and survivor is," Do not panic. The medical system has developed well to face any challenge. There is always a solution."

Justin Sandler is a director, actor, drummer, writer, editor, and Germ cell tumor survivor (as of January 2018). He and his wife Mary Lou Sandler opened three cubed studios LLC in January 2011. A graduate of Indiana University, he has directed and produced cable TV in Chicago; wrote, directed, and produced commercials for ABC, FOX, and Telemundo in Palm Springs; and has been in Los Angeles working as a professional TV, film, and commercial actor, as well as a recording and touring musician. His film, “Welcome to Where You’ve Always Been” (writer, director, actor, editor, producer), appeared in 21 festivals (2016-2017), won 4 awards (including his award for Best Actor in a Leading Role), and will be distributed on Shorts TV (cable/satellite) and Amazon Prime beginning on April 3, 2018. Justin is the director, producer, writer, editor, and host for the upcoming documentary, “MANtimacy”, and the producer, co-director, co-writer, and editor for the forthcoming documentary, “Caregiving Cancer: The Silent Heroes.” He is also writing his book and developing a one-person stage show based on his journey; both called EMBRACEcancer LOVEcancer FREEcancer.

Neha Bhatnagar was a caregiver to her father, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2016 and retired from the navy. Neha's father has seen so much while in the navy; what is there to fear. "The war was fought there, too; this war will also be fought." She says that it is vital to have an excellent medical team and family around you as your support system to win the battle against cancer. Willpower and diet are other factors that play an essential role in the healing journey. According to Neha, it is necessary to share your story with your close friends so that you do not feel alone in the journey of cancer.

Shriya Sood is a caregiver to her father, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer on 7 April 2021. She is 24 years old and a doctor by profession. He was a chronic smoker. We have to understand that we are on this journey, and being on the journey now, I can say that cancer is a disease just like any other disease. We have to change the mindset of people that cancer is not the end, it is curable, and people survive. She believes that a caregiver should create a positive environment around the patient.

Martha was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 32. She initially noticed a lump on her breast without any symptoms. Though she ignored it at first, her husband asked to do further checks. On other tests, Breast cancer was diagnosed. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy for the same. She says Breast Cancer can happen at any age. It is important to note any initial symptoms or signs before progressing to later stages. "Self check is the key"

Ashwini is the founder of Healthy Us- C2C, an upcoming author and Martial Arts (Karate and Taekwondo) practitioner. In 2017, She was diagnosed with Dysgerminoma (Ovarian cancer) when her daughter was one year old. Later after the treatment, she again gave birth to another kid in a year. Her journey is a roller coaster ride that helped her transform her mindset and build positivity in herself. Her vision is "To create a Cancer free world where every humankind leads a healthy, fit and fulfilled life where Cancer is just a zodiac sign." She was in an illusion and had a negative mindset for a few years after the treatment. Later, she transformed her life by changing her lifestyle, practising healthy foods habits, practising Martial Arts, and sleeping well. She started seeing life from a different angle by following some approaches. Then, she found the passion and purpose of her life one day: to inspire and motivate others. "I will not leave this earth until I transform the lives of survivors and spread awareness as much as possible." She mentors survivors in her unique style by combining healthy eating, mindfulness and holistic living, which will touch upon their lives and make them champions.

Suhas was born in Maharashtra, India and is a Brain Cancer survivor. He works as a Brain development coach and teacher at the ABACUS course. He had forgotten the memories during his 3rd brain surgery because of memory loss. But his parents, sister, relatives, and friends helped him recollect what had happened. He is blessed to have a supportive family and friends throughout his battle against cancer. He is also the author of "The Story of My Rebirth". His motive is to inspire and motivate all categories & types of cancer patients, their relatives, and beloved ones.

Thomas is a globally recognized Testicular Cancer Advocate who Men's Health Magazine calls 'one of the most outspoken voices in the fight against testicular cancer'. He have traveled 8000 miles with his dog and giant 6ft testicle, lefty, across two countries educating, inspiring, and creating awareness..

Savio P. Clemente was a health nut throughout his life, but suddenly, he started noticing his stomach getting distended and night sweats one day. On further tests, it was diagnosed as Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (DLBCL). He emerged from the battle victorious. He coaches cancer survivors to overcome the confusion & gain the clarity needed to get busy living in mind, body, & spirit. He is also a Board Certified Wellness Coach, syndicated columnist & the author of the #1 Best-selling book on Amazon, "I Survived Cancer and Here Is How I Did It: 35 Cancer Survivors Share Their Journey."

Chrissy Lomax is a Polestar Pilates instructor, a personal trainer, a musician and a breast cancer survivor. Ironically, the drug she took to beat her cancer was the same one she raised money for through the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation/UCLA. In addition to her philanthropic work, Chrissy is a talented singer and songwriter. She has released several albums, including “2 Hands on the Wall” and “I’m Not Ashamed.” You can find out more about Chrissy and the projects she is working on by visiting her website: www.chrissylomax.com.

Renuka was diagnosed with triple-positive Breast Cancer in the year 2020. Initially, she had severe pain in one of her breasts. After further tests originally, there was no conclusion. Then she started noticing a discharge from her breast. She then consulted a cancer institute, and on other tests, it was diagnosed as Breast Cancer. She underwent 14 cycles of chemotherapy, lumpectomy and four weeks of radiation therapy as a part of the treatment. She had a supportive family and friends throughout her treatment. Renuka says," No matter how good or bad the situation is, be kind to yourself and your surroundings. Be thankful".

When business performance coach Melanie Holscher learned she had stage 4 ovarian cancer, it sounded more like a sentence than a diagnosis. And fighting the disease demanded more than she thought she could give. Waiting for doctors, waiting for test results and waiting to see how her body would respond to treatment. The uncertainty was terrifying, and her mind slipped into unfamiliar darkness. But Holscher was determined to fight back. Tapping into the same coaching techniques that helped thousands of business professionals, she ratcheted up her mental game. She prepared herself to overcome the most significant challenge she had ever faced. The result is Becoming Ovary Jones—a guidebook for developing your mental strength throughout your cancer battle and a message of hope: that mindset truly impacts outcomes. Melanie says, "challenge and expand your thoughts, along with concrete "Actionable Hopes"—every cancer fighter should bolster their courage and reclaim their healing mentality."

Vanessa Ghigliotty was just 28 years old when she was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer. The trauma of having to tell her son, who was 11, is what inspired her to become an advocate for awareness. The first oncologist felt chemotherapy would not make that much difference. Her world crumbled to pieces. She sat in the cold hospital room, looking out a huge window at a catholic school and a cross, where a bird was so peacefully perched. It wasn't until the bird flew away that she realized what about her son!? "You never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have".