February 4, 2025, marks a notable day in the community I serve at DiepCFoundation.org. Along with the hashtag it is World Cancer Day: United by Unique. I have been receiving emails announcing this day. But, I learned of the hashtag, #UnitedByUnique from a friend and fellow patient advocate, Luan Lawrenson-Woods, who resides in Australia. What I decided to do next is reach out to my community at DiepCJourney, a private Facebook group I set up as part of the services provided by my nonprofit Foundation.
Thoughts from the Breast Cancer Community on World Cancer Day
I asked “Journey members,” the name I refer to when I address the group, to comment on what the hashtag #United by Unique meant to them in our community. What I read gave me time to contemplate the impact of community and the bond that unites us, breast cancer.
The Facebook group I established in 2015 is kind, compassionate, and honest. They are supportive of each other in all the most beneficial ways. These are members who are considering or have gone through the difficult decision of having breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy. I am grateful to each of them for sharing their thoughts with me on this World Cancer Day to share what #UnitedByUnique means to them. They shared their thoughts and the geographic area they are from.
Sisters, not by birth but by an unwelcome disease. I’m here to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on & a hug to all my amazing & strong pink sisters!
~ Arizona
United into a club none of us wanted but became sisters. Where I found my strength and support that I never knew I needed through triumphs and tribulations. Sisters that give me strength and an arm to lean on when I need it the most and celebrate each milestone. ~ Ohio
Gratitude for Terri’s work and the support of this community. No 2 journeys are the same. It takes information, resilience, and courage to take that “next best step” and find the solutions required for each of our individual and very specific needs. Knowing that my path is mine alone but understanding I am never alone thanks to this incredible sisterhood and the resources provided here.
~ Ohio. #UnitedbyUnique
#UnitedbyUnique means we all have a shared experience that brings us together. Different backgrounds, race, or creed, do not detract from the power of supporting and loving one another no matter what. ~ Washington State
When experiencing cancer, and discussing with other survivors, or people currently in active treatment, we all have “the big c” in common. Only when sharing our journey with each other, do we #unitebyunique because each one of us has our own unique story to tell. ~ Arizona
On World Cancer Day, the theme ‘United by Unique’ really hits home. Our diagnoses may be unique, but there’s a powerful strength in the connection we share—we know we’re not alone. This community lifts us up, empowers us, and reminds us that our voices matter. It gives us the confidence to self-advocate for what’s right for our health and make informed decisions about our breast cancer surgery that are unique to our individual needs, values and hopes. It’s a collective strength that helps us say, ‘Regarding me, this is what I need …’ ~ Australia
To me it means that even though each one of us may be different in so many other aspects of our lives…we all have a cancer diagnosis in common. This gives us an instant bond and understanding and ability to connect and empathize with each other. As well as an incredible “hive mind” that is immensely helpful to those seeking information. ~ Montana
I’ve never thought I would find such a beautiful supporting group after my diagnosis, where it is ok to expose our vulnerabilities, fears, questions, doubts, and progress! We support one another because we understand the difficulty of transitioning to this stage in our lives. I can’t be more thankful for this group!
~ Louisiana
#UnitedbyUnique – Not alone, as the journey continues 3 years out – I still feel I have a safe place to come and ask questions, vent, find support and most importantly encouraged by each one of your strengths and compassion for everyone’s journey. God made each of us unique and stronger together. He is Jehovah Jireh – the one who provides, and I am so blessed he provided this amazing group. ~ Arizona
#Unitedhyunique. Our Journey although the same has been unique in the path that lead us to the decision. The challenges we each faced, the unity of knowing… I have a friend, and they made it through. ~ Alabama
My Personal Thoughts on World Cancer Day
Cancer is a word that pulls the patient, family, friends, and caregivers into a vortex of confusion and many unknowns. With many types of cancer, subtypes, and stages within the types of cancer, a person diagnosed enters a world of information discovery that is often overwhelming. A newly diagnosed person seeks comfort. It is in the community, large or small, that comfort is found.
Belonging to a cancer community unites us. Empathy, an identifier with a familiar situation, is a powerful way to recognize and understand others’ circumstances. It is this belonging in a world of cancer that we are #UnitedByUnique.