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Co-Founder/CEO of OncoveryCare, helping survivors lead happier, healthier lives | Cancer Survivor | Healthtech | MBA/MPH
In the cancer community, we mark something called a "cancerversary"—a date that is meaningful to the survivor's journey. Because of the differences in folks' cancer experiences, the milestone marked can vary, whether one's end-of-treatment date, surgery anniversary, etc. I mark the anniversary of my date of diagnosis—September 25, 2018—and, so, today is mine. My six-year cancerversary. The photo below was taken shortly after I finished active treatment, at an event celebrating breast cancer survivors. I always feel like this particular shot sums up well the mix of emotions I feel on my cancerversary. On the one hand: joy, relief, immense gratitude for the slew of experiences that come with six years—SIX WHOLE YEARS!—of life. Graduate school, moving back to Boston, starting a company, meeting my partner, countless moments with family and friends ... all the gifts of a second chapter of life after an aggressive cancer diagnosis. On the other hand, there is always a quieter side to this day, too: reflection, and an acknowledgment of the way life changes after a critical illness. The other day, I was explaining how, at this stage, survivorship can feel like carrying a backpack. Some days, the load feels light, light enough to just be a hum in the background. Other days, even six years out, it feels heavier. The more time goes on, the more light days there are. But it's always there. Today, I'll be celebrating the milestone with gratitude, but also thinking of every single person—whether survivors or "co-survivors"—carrying a cancer experience with them, too. 💛
Sally Wolf
1w
All of this resonates Hil. Celebrating your 6 years of LIFE - and all the rejoice and reflection that you’ve shared. I often celebrate my surgery date and in reflecting now I think it’s because that is the one date I chose - the date and the double mastectomy - amidst a journey in which so little felt like my choice. Let’s (re)connect soon; I love what you’re building!
You summed up cancerversary so eloquently. I so appreciate the fact that your photo is a mix of confetti with a small smile, not a smile made up for the camera. And that’s really what survivorship is—creating and enjoying the “confetti type moments” while still dealing with the backpack. Thank you for all you are doing for the survivor & co-survivor community! Looking forward to my upcoming 2 year mark of survivorship! 🎉
Sending all the positive thoughts for continued cancerversaries and success in supporting those dealing with a cancer diagnosis. 🙌💪
I love this ❤️ "The more time goes on, the more light days there are. But it's always there." I'll be celebrating my 20-year cancerversary on September 28th - it's always there! Happy cancerversary Hil Moss! Inspired by all you are doing for cancer survivors in this second chapter.
Amzing Hill. And thank you for speaking of the complex mixed emotions many can relate to
Hil congratulations on your anniversary and what your company is doing. Totally agree with your mission and also Chandler’s comments. If you end up needing anything, let me know. I am almost 1 year post surgery from my cancer diagnosis and have almost 30 years of experience in laboratory medicine and information technology. Would be honored to help.
Kris Conner
1w
This really resonates with me. My cancerversary is Oct. 2, 2018--here in the six-year group right with you! It's hard to explain to anyone who has not been through it. You've done it so well here, so thank you. The backpack analogy is spot on.
Hil Moss: you summarized the experience so well. This is a milestone that one can’t celebrate like other life events, but it’s also impossible to forget it entirely and move on. I wish you continued good health and may the ‘backpack’ never weigh you down!
Hil Moss Mixed emotions would certainly sum up the experience. Done with treatment, but reflection on the losses and the uncertainty of the future. Wishing you a more joy filled cancerversary this year.
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