Meet Nasreen Shahi

“I would have never in a million years would have expected that I would be diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer,” Nasreen said. I was in the best shape of my life, exercising regularly and living a healthy lifestyle. I didn’t have any symptoms, so it was a shock.”

Her focus became overcoming this diagnosis and making sure her kids did not have to grow up without their mother. With the support of her family and medical team, she endured six rounds of chemotherapy over an 18-week period and a double mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction followed by 28 rounds of radiation.

“I truly had no idea that I could find the strength to not only accept this diagnosis, but to thrive during it,” Nasreen said. “I realized that I am a lot stronger than I gave myself credit for. So many survivors told me that once you’re on the other side you are a different person, and I couldn’t agree more. Life is so incredibly precious, and I am thankful for every single day that I have here with my family.

“This has also taught me how to really show up to support others, after seeing the support that was given to me. For those walking through this, I’m sending you so much love. This isn’t something we’d wish on anyone, but life on the other side is so much more beautiful. Take it one day, sometimes one hour, at a time. You’ve got this, and you are going to be okay.”

— Nasreen Shahi