Strength and Advocacy: Connie’s Journey as a Breast Cancer Survivor

At the “Strength, Survival, and Support” panel hosted by TP in Greece in honor of Pink October, Connie’s story touched the hearts of all who attended. As a breast cancer survivor, a committed TP employee, and a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, she bravely opened up about her personal experience.  

Her story underscored the critical importance of early detection, the resilience needed to fight, and the vital role that community support plays during such a difficult experience. Through Connie’s heartfelt testimony, TP reaffirmed its ongoing dedication to raising awareness about breast cancer, encouraging everyone to prioritize early screenings, offer support, and stay informed. 

From Career Success to a Life-Changing Diagnosis 

While still living in Netherlands, Connie was thriving in her career when her world suddenly shifted during a celebratory trip to Barcelona. In a quiet moment with her partner, a troubling realization hit: she has breast cancer. Her suspicion was confirmed when she returned to the Netherlands, wasting no time in seeking medical advice.  

On April 1st, she received the diagnosis, which felt like a cruel joke. While sad, she had already started mentally preparing for the fight ahead. The cancer was hormone-sensitive, requiring a series of intense treatments, including breast amputation surgery, chemotherapy, and 5 years of hormone therapy. Despite the challenges, Connie stayed grounded and determined, ready to face each step with bravery, one step at the time. 

Courage in Every Step of Treatment 

At the panel, Connie didn’t sugarcoat her experience. “It’s not a journey, it’s not a trip—it’s horrible,” she confessed. Each phase of her treatment, from surgery to chemotherapy to hormone therapy, brought its own set of challenges. Yet, Connie approached each one with courage, tackling them step by step. Before starting treatment, she took a short, refreshing break in Greece to recharge for the road ahead.

Coping with Breast Cancer Side Effects 

One of the toughest parts of Connie’s battle was managing its side effects. A self-described ‘control freak,’ Connie focused on what she could control—eating well, resting, and using humor to cope. Humor became her lifeline, helping her stay grounded and find strength on difficult days. 

Finding Strength in Community Support 

For Connie, community support was essential. Her family, especially a cousin and her siblings, became pillars of her strength. During the panel, she encouraged proactive support, helping with meals or errands and choosing words of comfort carefully rather than relying on clichés. It’s the small, tangible acts of kindness that make a difference. 

TP Greece’s Commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness 

The ‘Strength, Survival, and Support’ panel reflected TP’s commitment to breast cancer awareness and support. Connie’s story is a reminder of the courage it takes to face such a diagnosis, but also the importance of community in navigating the battle.  

At TP, we continue to stand at the forefront of this fight, advocating for the health and well-being of our employees, their families, and the broader community. Through initiatives like Pink October, we stay committed to care, early detection, and supporting those affected by breast cancer.