Warrior Stories: Joan Saloomey

Each October, we give back by hosting a buy one give one campaign: for every bottle of WINK sold, we donate one to a cancer warrior, to help them get their groove back after chemotherapy. Specifically, we partner with the Breast Cancer Charities of America’s “Feeling Beautiful Again” program, to get WINK directly into warrior’s hands.

In our warrior stories series, we share the stories of these warriors. Today we are sharing the story of Joan Saloomey, Breast Cancer Warrior. Her story is another powerful example of how your Pink WINK donations are helping breast cancer patients.

 


 

I have suffered a recurrence of breast cancer and was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer. That eventually led to spinal compression and surgery. In February of 2014 I had a major surgery and since then it has been an ordeal to start my life over. I am having to learn to walk again and have been treated for skin lesions, among other things.

I am an artist, so as soon as I started feeling better I got back to work thanks to excellent medical care and unrelenting determination.

Despite all that, cancer has been devastating to my finances. The Breast Cancer Charities of America helped me multiple times when I needed the help. My objective is to get back on my feet soon and then help somebody else.

Through this tough time in my life my family and sister have been great forms of support. My sister wouldn’t let me get sad, she kept my morale up and helped me stay positive.

The only way you can conquer cancer is to stay positive because it has a lot to do with the way you think. You have to think of yourself as a victor because if you think you will be defeated you will. But if you think you will win, then there is nothing stopping you.

Don’t be afraid of cancer.

You are bigger than cancer and you can and you will defeat it.


I love Joan’s attitude.

If you’re reading this and you have cancer right now: You are bigger than cancer and you can and WILL defeat it.

xoxo

Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez is a board-certified general practitioner with more than 15 years of patient care experience. She takes an integrative approach to patient care that considers the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and is deeply committed to assisting her patients in achieving and sustaining optimal health. Dr. Vanessa is also a skilled writer and medical reviewer, specializing in preventive care and health promotion. Her articles are written in an approachable manner that is simple to comprehend and implement in one’s own life. Dr. Vanessa’s mission is to equip her patients and readers with the knowledge and resources necessary to live their greatest lives.

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