Rebirth After Cancer: My Journey to Purpose and Emotional Healing
Isabella in the middle of treatment, facing cancer with courage, hope, and a smile that refused to fade.
Just as I was close to reaching many dreams, cancer showed up. It stopped everything, pushed me forward, and changed me forever.
I was 22 when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. I had tumors in the lymph nodes of my neck and chest. Suddenly, I was part of a world I never thought I’d face.
Even before the doctors confirmed my diagnosis, I kept thinking, “I won’t die from this.”
My treatment plan included hospital visits every 2 weeks for chemotherapy. I had 12 sessions of chemotherapy. It was 8 of the hardest, yet most meaningful, months of my life.
At the same time, I was finishing my last semester of law school—and I did it. I graduated.
Redefining the process
Along the way, I made a choice that changed how I saw things. I decided to give new meaning to my experience.
I stopped calling it “chemo,” and started calling it chocosos—a traditional chocolate cake from Colombia. The hospital became “the chocoso factory.”
Changing the words helped me bring more lightness to the process, not just for me, but also for my caregivers, family, and friends.
Living with hope—and finding new meaning in illness and in life—was a choice that made all the difference.
Isabella sharing tools for emotional healing, turning her second chance at life into a mission of support.
Life after treatment
When treatment ended, a hard question came up: Now what? What do you do after facing the biggest challenge of your life?
I felt lost, but I knew one thing: this second chance in life meant I had to live a life I truly love. Cancer gave me a chance to think again about everything. I chose to rebuild my life with love, authenticity, and a desire to help others.
Now, I guide people who are going through hard times—whether they are just starting, in the middle, or finishing their healing process.
For years, I asked myself what my purpose was. Cancer gave me a clue. I’m still learning, but I know everything happens for a reason, even when we don’t see it right away.
Isabella leading an emotional support session and honoring her friend Alejo's legacy by bringing hope and connection to others on their healing journey.
A friend’s legacy lives on
As part of this journey, I created the first emotional support kit for kids with cancer. I built it with the family of my dear friend Alejandro García Méndez, “Alejo,” who went through treatment with me.
Alejo is no longer with us, but his strength inspires everything I do. Together, we dreamed of building a foundation to support kids with cancer and make care easier to access.
Today, I tell my story in honor of Alejo. It wouldn’t be mine without remembering his. The emotional support kit we created has reached many young patients in Medellín, Colombia, and keeps his legacy alive.
Turning pain into power
One of the hardest parts of my journey was dealing with my emotions.
Soon after my disease went into remission, I started looking for new ways to care for my mind and heart. I found tools that helped me feel more balanced, along with the medical care I received.
Taking care of our body, mind, and spirit is key. I focus on eating well, spending time in nature, dancing, and doing activities that support my emotional health.
Attitude matters. I try to live with love, gratitude, and presence every day.
So far, I’ve helped more than 100 people—mostly in Colombia—on their healing journeys through my program Códigos de Sanación and through one-on-one support.
My goal is to offer hope, helpful tools, and a safe space for people to reconnect with themselves. I want to help others move through life with more peace and strength.
Today, I know rebirth is possible. If you want to learn more about how I live as a cancer survivor, visit my Instagram: @isabellagiraldova.