When you go through something as serious as surviving breast cancer, it is often said that your
perspective on life changes and you realize what is truly important to you. But what happens in between the treatment and a return to so-called ‘regular life’ as a cancer survivor?

Having gone through treatment for breast cancer, a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery herself, Sharon was asked to help guide women going through the aftermath of cancer treatment. Realizing there was a much broader need for support, Sharon co-founded Breast Friends, an organization that helps cancer survivors take back their power, with programs, retreats and workshops designed to help women create a road map for their life beyond cancer.

Later, Sharon was given the opportunity to make an impact on women’s health in countries where
education around breast health and cancer was severely lacking. As the co-founder of Breast Advocates International, her mission is to educate and support women, advocating for early detection of breast cancer in the hopes of reducing mortality in countries that do not have access to diagnostic imaging.

In this episode:
1. The truth is in the eyes (Intro).
2. The gift after the chaos (5:20).
3. Finding my birth-mother (13:01).
4. Illness along family lines (20:00).
5. Advocating for women’s health in other countries (26:15).
6. Pandemic times, connection and other blessings (35:55).
7. Discovering the important things in life (38:33).

Connect with Sharon
Sharon’s book, “Thriving Beyond Cancer: Hope, Understanding, and Validation for the Cancer Survivor” is available on Amazon. If you would like to connect with Sharon, you can find her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonhenifin/

Connect with Helen
If you or someone you know is looking for support while going through the emotional healing process of dealing with a health crisis, writing about it can bring about profound healing. To register for or find out more information about Helen’s next Journaling Retreat, visit www.thegiftofbeingpresent.com.