Joanne Patterson shares her deeply personal journey of being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. At age 46 and a single mother of four, she knew the odds were against her. Despite the gravity of her diagnosis, she chose positivity and optimism as she battled against the cancer that steadily deteriorated her body.

While Joanne's journey has been marked by setbacks and obstacles - including losses no one would ever want to endure - her resilience and determination have never wavered. Twenty years later, she is the epitome of life lived to its fullest as she embraces each day with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation, traveling the globe and enjoying the new friendships that have entered her life.

Help women like Joanne by pledging your support at therose.org.

Takeaways

1.) How can gratitude and a positive attitude can help overcome challenges?

2.) How and why is perseverance key in moving forward?

3.) Why is it important to find joy and celebrate every day?

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting with The Rose after 20 years

01:47 Joanne's initial diagnosis and treatment

06:38 Maintaining a positive attitude during treatment

09:45 The impact of The Rose on Joanne and her daughter

15:33 Joanne's recurrence and ongoing treatment

25:30 The power of gratitude and acceptance

26:57 Coping with loss and maintaining resilience