In 2008 and 2016, I was diagnosed with colon and breast cancer. These were two challenging experiences that could fill volumes with their stories. However, anything becomes possible when we choose faith and hope in God.

I vividly remember visiting the King Hussein Cancer Hospital in Amman. Clutching a pamphlet, I read the following words that resonated deeply: “What cancer cannot do with God’s help… Cancer is so limited. It cannot cripple love, shatter hope, corrode faith, destroy peace, kill friendship, suppress memories, silence courage, invade the soul, steal eternal life, or conquer the spirit.”

Little did I know then that these words would become more than mere sentences on paper. They would become my reality, guiding me through the ups and downs of my journey with the disease and its treatments.

Each day brought new challenges, both physically and emotionally. The battle against cancer was not easy, but I found solace in the unwavering support of my loved ones and the incredible medical team who cared for me. Their presence reminded me that I was not alone in this fight.

Hope became my guiding light, illuminating even the bleakest of days. It whispered to me that there was a future beyond cancer, a life filled with joy and fulfillment. I clung to that hope fiercely, allowing it to fuel my determination and resilience.

Faith, too, played a crucial role in my healing journey. It gave me the inner strength to face each day with courage and positivity. Even in the face of uncertainty, I held onto my faith, knowing that a higher power was watching over me and guiding me toward recovery.

Amidst the physical and emotional turmoil, I discovered the true meaning of peace. It was not the absence of struggles or pain but the ability to find serenity within myself, even amid chaos. Cancer may have tried to disrupt my peace, but it failed to extinguish the flame that burned within me.

Reflecting upon my experience, I realize that cancer may have taken a lot from me, but it could never touch the intangible treasures that reside within our souls. It could not suppress the beautiful memories I created with my loved ones or diminish the courage that blossomed within me.

Cancer may have tested my limits but it could never conquer my spirit. It fueled a fire within me to fight back, live my life to the fullest, and embrace every moment with gratitude and joy. It taught me the resilience of the human spirit and the remarkable strength within each of us.

Today, as a cancer survivor, I stand as a testament to the power of faith, hope, love, and the unwavering support of those around us. My journey has taught me that even in the face of adversity, we can rise above it, and with God’s help, anything is possible.

May my story inspire others to find solace in faith, strength in hope, and the boundless power of love. Let us support one another, standing shoulder to shoulder in the fight against cancer, knowing we can overcome even the toughest challenges together.

Hanan M. Al-Sharabati