“You try to minimize uncertainty by taking ahold of what you have in front of you in the moment.”

CRISTIAN BOANCA’S STORY

I know that it might sound crazy – and I wouldn’t say this because I’m in remission – but if I had one word to describe my experience with cancer, it would be “healing,” because of the positive effect it had in so many other areas of my life.

Cancer encouraged me to face the complicated things in my life. It made me more empathetic, more understanding of people and how they react to hardship. It increased my capacity to be merciful, have compassion, and show tenderness. Before cancer, I was an oblivious young man. After I was diagnosed in my mid-twenties, the brevity of life sunk in. There was a certain wisdom knowing I couldn’t waste my time on earth anymore.

When I reflect back on my initial diagnosis, what comes to mind is the Bible verse where Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays his life down for the sheep” he lays down his life down so that others might live. At the point in my life when I was told I had cancer, I felt I was this lost little sheep in that flock, a young man who was trying to find his way. What kept me afloat was the thought that, “the King of Kings loves me,” and he assures me of this through his sacrifice for me. I think that this perspective was transformative in that it dignified my experience and my affliction. I frequently would – and still do – find peace in this.

I attribute my survival to the undeserved kindness and mercy of God, my family, and my friends. I was changed and humbled by the outpouring of support I received from my community while I was going through treatment.