Breast Cancer Survivor: How She Stayed In ‘The Know’ and the Outlet that Kept her Afloat
Written by: Katrina Belmonte
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the United States. Lives are turned upside down, leaving many to figure out a new reality. One of those brave women is Ailyn Groff, an immigrant from the Philippines, a mother to two sons, and a wife. A retired teacher now working as a grocery store checker, Groff lives a quiet and content life.
Until one day she feels lymph nodes, and after a Doctor’s visit, Groff finds herself in denial, even after being told what her new world would look like. One filled with mammograms, chemotherapy, and difficult conversations.
Despite all this, Groff remains steadfast in healing. She puts on a brave face and turns to her faith. When asked why, Groff passionately replies, “Everything that I do, I put God first; he’s the only one I can count on. I pray [and] he gives me strength.” During this difficult time in her life, having trust in her desire to get better and her faith became a huge outlet for her. Dealing with Breast Cancer is a battle no one deserves to fight alone, and Groff understood this. Fortunately, with advanced treatment and detection, she was able to recover and take back her life.
Just like Groff (one of the 4 million breast cancer survivors in the US), many women are unaware (at first) of how impactful a simple check-up can lead to expert support, which is why, as the most common cancer in American women, it is imperative to do regular check-ups. At first in denial, scared and worried about her future, Groff turned to other survivors. She listened to their stories, related and took advice, trying everything at her disposal to cope with such a harrowing experience. She discovered how hopeful it made her, in addition to how praying kept her grounded and close to God. Groff explains that during her treatment, she began to eat healthier, avoiding fried foods and ensuring that she maintained this habit even after her treatments.
Life throws many curveballs at us, and Groff’s bravery appears through her faith and pragmatic approach to healing. She understood the severity of her situation and took action into her own hands. Today, she finds herself cancer-free and thriving as she watches her two sons succeed in their respective career paths. Proudly, Groff emphasizes how this life-changing experience made her feel closer to her faith as it became such a huge part of her healing journey. Many other women like Groff know pain intimately, and with the help of guidance and perseverance, they bravely fight, arriving on top. An admirable act of resilience.
