The Quiet Strength Behind the Smile: What Cancer Taught Me

One day, I got the kind of news you never expect: you have cancer.

It hit me hard—and it hit my kids, my husband, my family, friends, and colleagues just as deeply. But in the middle of the chaos, I felt an eerie sense of calm. As strange as it sounds, I knew this was placed in my path for a reason.

For years, I’ve volunteered with the Women’s Cancer Association (WCA) of the University of Miami’s Sylvester Cancer Center—donating my time and pen & ink renderings for the annual cancer walk in Miami Shores. Supporting the cause from the outside felt purposeful. Never did I imagine I’d suddenly be on the inside. Cancer had touched people I love… but me? A strong, healthy woman who worked out, avoided toxins, never smoked, lived clean? It didn’t make sense.

But that’s the thing about cancer—it doesn’t follow rules. And that’s where early detection and intuition matter. This isn’t just another “get checked” post (although, yes, please do). Sometimes early screenings miss things. You keep checking. You keep asking questions. You trust your gut and advocate for yourself.

Most of all—you grow your empathy. For those going through treatment. For the families quietly holding it together. For the ones who lost someone. For the doctors and nurses who show up daily and change lives.

So what’s this post really about?

Kindness.
Because not everyone announces when they’re struggling. They might be up on stage, leading a meeting, smiling at a camera—and fighting something invisible.

Be kind. You never know what someone is walking through. And your kindness might be the thing that gets them through that day.

P.S. Please support your local cancer organization—whatever it may be. These groups are making a real impact in ways you may not see until it’s personal. The Heidi Hewes chapter of The WCA has held a special place in my heart for years, and I’m honored to continue donating my time and artwork for the annual Miami Shores walk. It’s a reminder that giving can ripple farther than we know.