The Aloha Friday Newsletter

Happy Aloha Friday Everyone!

This Aloha Friday Newsletter is a special one as we're continuing October's theme of Breast Cancer Awareness.

I recently hosted an Instagram Live with the incomparable Jupiter Stone and Sharon Finkel, an amazing woman, breast cancer survivor, and board-certified functional medicine health coach.

Among many things, we talked about Sharon's journey with cancer and the work she and Pink Aid are doing to help women who are currently going through breast cancer treatment.

So, in honor of Sharon, all the breast cancer survivors out there, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to do more than just your typical question and answer. Instead, for those who missed the live, I wanted to give you a snapshot of what we talked about to spread Sharon's story and bring more awareness to the journey of a breast cancer survivor, the importance of community, and what we can do to help.

Thank you for tuning in! (And if you're due for a mammogram, schedule one!)

Embracing Transformation: A Breast Cancer Survivor's Journey and the Importance of Community Support

Before her breast cancer diagnosis, Sharon was a corporate immigration lawyer for over 20 years. Although her career was demanding and she was a mother, she was thriving. But all those years of stress, work, and late nights came to a screeching halt when she received her shocking breast cancer diagnosis. It felt like the years of stress had finally caught up to her - never mind that she was one of the healthiest people that she knew. And as earth-shattering news tends to do, it made Sharon sit down and think about her life and, more importantly, where she wanted her priorities to lie. And this horrendous news came the glimmer of silver lining - that this would be the catalyst for much-needed transformation.

Sharon underwent treatment - multiple rounds of chemotherapy along with additional therapies - and the intensity of the treatments collided head-on with the fast-paced world of her career. It forced her to step back and reflect.

At the start of the diagnosis, Sharon imagined she would weather the treatment, and then, once she was better, she would return to her high-powered job. But, as the weeks went on and the treatments became more straining, it became clear that this wasn't just about surviving cancer; it was about redefining her existence.

After completing her treatment, Sharon transitioned out of the corporate world and began working with Pink Aid, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underserved women battling breast cancer. The mission - "to provide compassionate support, critical resources, and emergency financial assistance to underserved breast cancer patients and their families" - resonated deeply with her. Acutely aware of the privileges she had had during her treatment - food on the table, a warm bed, and choice - the means to access complementary therapies in addition to the traditional paths, Sharon wanted to help ensure that other women facing the harsh realities of cancer would receive the support they needed.

Pink Aid differs from other breast cancer nonprofits because the money goes directly into the hands of women undergoing treatment, rather than toward research. It helps women afford necessities such as rent and personal care items. But it's not only about financial support; it's about understanding that fighting breast cancer isn't just about surviving a disease; it's about providing hope and community during one of the most challenging and isolating times a person can experience.

Sharon recognizes that the woman she is today is vastly different from the corporate immigration lawyer she was before. And though her path had its mountains to overcome, it led her to a life full of purpose, connection, and joy.

And that is an opportunity every breast cancer patient should have.

In sharing Sharon's story, we hope to inspire those who are going through hard times of their own and to remember that sometimes a seismic shift may awaken us to the possibilities that lie ahead of us. There is strength to be found in community, support networks, and organizations like Pink Aid.?

Alone, we are strong, but together, we are stronger.?

If you're looking for ways to contribute, consider supporting Pink Aid's initiatives. Your involvement can help transform lives and provide hope to those navigating the difficult journey of breast cancer. Together, we can uplift and empower survivors, ensuring that no woman faces this battle alone.

If you would like to see more of my discussion with Sharon, make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram. I will be posting clips from the live throughout the rest of the month.

Also, a reminder that I will be donating all October proceeds from my book sales to Pinkaid. You can buy my first book, Stop Settling, Settle Smart, or my second book, B is for Burnout, not B*tch through the hyperlinks.

With All the Love and Light,