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We asked our Sync for Survivors performers: “What is the most important piece of advice, wisdom, or insight you have (or may have received from another person) about dealing with cancer that you would like to pass on to others?”Here is what they had to say.
“I am 10 years out of my fear for life and I have evolved to realize the diagnosis actually was the best thing that could happen to me and my beautiful family. Everyone fought with me to improve themselves and succeed in their own endeavors, making my own difficulties less painful. My advice is to find your passion and evolve. My passion is painting, and I consider my life on a new path as an artist.”
Click here to vote for Brett Austin [Advice from Kimberly Petromichelis, artist and cancer survivor.]
“Whether you’ve just received a diagnosis or you’re walking alongside a loved one—stay in the day. Focus on what you know is true right now. It’s incredibly easy to get swept up in fears about the future or to compare your journey to someone else’s. But every diagnosis, every person, every day is different. If you’re constantly looking ahead, you may miss the unexpected moments of peace, connection, or even joy that today holds. Each day will have its challenges—but it will also have its blessings. Being present allows you to see them. As it says in Matthew 6:34: ’So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.’”
Click here to vote for Annalynn Barnett
“I know how heavy it can feel watching someone you love go through cancer. Being present and allowing people to help you navigate this journey can help lighten a load that no one should carry alone.”
Click here to vote for Kaci Davis
“One of my dear friends, Amy Emery, passed away this past year. She was beautiful – inside and out. She embodied grace and goodness. She was always smiling. She fought hard – physically, mentally, and emotionally. She made the most of her time with her sweet family and her friends. I spoke to her husband Mike recently. He reminded me that when someone passes away from cancer, remember to put aside your own discomfort…you do not have to say that you know how they feel, or they are in a better place, or time heals everything. These words minimize specific and personal pain and discount what they are living through without their loved one. Instead SPEAK THEIR NAME to their family members. Talk about them. They truly survive when we keep their memories alive by talking about them.”
Click here to vote for Macie Lawton
“As an oncology provider, there is a lot of focus on numbers and statistics in terms of treatment response and survival. I try to remind my patients, family members and friends who are on their cancer and survivorship journey that they are more than just a statistic or a number – I remind them to focus on the things that are in their control. “
Click here to vote for Katie McClellan
“Give yourself grace. Let yourself feel everything–grief, anger, exhaustion. Be vulnerable. You don’t have to be strong all the time. And most importantly, celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Finishing a treatment, getting out of bed, and finding a moment of laughter, they all matter. Healing looks different for everyone. Allow yourself time, lean on your people, and most of all, honor your journey for exactly what it is: yours.”
Click here to vote for Leigh Savage [Advice from Anna Walker, associate creative director, TOWN magazine and cancer survivor.]
“When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, her oncologist told her at the first meeting, ‘The most important thing you need to do is stay where your feet are.’ I believe that she took this with her through her entire journey, and it helped her to stay grounded. It is easy to look ahead and worry about all of the things coming tomorrow, but this helped all of us to just take everything a day at a time. That and our faith, family and friends that were always there for her and us. Support from loved ones can help get you through most anything! Today she is cancer free!”
Click here to vote for Lauren Smythe
“My advice is twofold. Have an annual check-up. And if there’s a problem, do what the doctors tell you to do!”
Click here to vote for Doug Webster
Team reps in the photo:
Arbor Spice: Maci Lawton
It’s Just Me: Doug Webster
Kaci & The Krystals: Kaci Davis
The News Girls: Leigh Savage
Tres Chic: Annalynn Barnett
What’s A Name Got to Do With It?: Joshua McClellan
Story By: Michael McCullough
Photo By: Sliced Tomato Production