HODGKINS AT 25

March 2017 hit me hard, life threw me a curve ball in what would wake me up and change my life forever- a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 25. 

I thought I was treating my body right all these years by eating healthy and keeping fit, but turns out that wasn’t enough. You were living in a toxic, acidic environment full of stress, negativity, pain, suffering, people-pleasing, and no self-love or confidence. I was masking all this pain inside for over 10 years, and my body could not cope anymore it manifested this ugly disease called cancer. 

I remember feeling so alone and so so scared being hooked up to the IV drip for the first time. Seeing that poisonous liquid enter my body, I could feel it slowly taking away my identity, my body slowly shutting down and feeling an awful sicking response. It sickened me that this poison was flowing through me, disrupting even all of my healthy cells.  

I have come so far in 6 years since being diagnosed I have developed resilience and courageousness I didn’t know I had. I have finally come to realise that this disease chose me for a reason- to give back to the world and share with you all the insight that I have found on this journey. But most importantly, it has opened my eyes to a much deeper appreciation for life, to not take life for granted, how short and fragile it can be, to always put yourself first, to love yourself wholeheartedly and completely, and always listen to your body it is always speaking to you! 

Everything you need is within you, the strength, courage, and confidence to change your life.  

You just need to look within yourself to find it.  – Amanda Ray 

To connect with me and to follow more of my story, follow me on insta@empowerandheal_ 

Written by Daniella Laura