The Survivor (Thriver) Series ~ Joanna Dennstaedt: #26
SC: Tell us your name and where you are from:
JD: Joanna Dennstaedt
SC: Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living or what do you want to do?
JD: Run a non-profit, Radiant Hope, mom, High School women’s lacrosse coach,
SC: Are you a patient, survivor or caregiver (or combination)?
JD: Survivor
SC: Tell us your story:
JD: I was diagnosed with stage 3b Malignant Metastatic Melanoma, had 2 surgeries and a year of weekly treatment.
SC: What is the biggest lesson you have learned through this experience?
JD: Have HOPE and find joy in all circumstances, learn to be thankful for all things, life is short but God has a plan in the middle of it. Beautiful things can be born out of a dead and waiting season…
SC: What would you like to say to someone going through what you have gone through or are going through?
JD: They will not always be where they are, so find the positives in everyday, see all the ways that the impossible path they are on can be used to encourage and support others, that they are not alone
SC: What do you do that brings you most comfort and joy?
JD: Spend time with my husband, 4 kids
SC: What motivates you to keep going, smiling, fighting?
JD: The others that are coming behind me that need to know they will get through this.
SC: Any music, movies, books, art that have inspired you during your journey?
JD: I’ve always enjoyed the rocky movies.
SC: Do you have a favorite quote, mantra or saying that has helped you during your journey?
JD: Choose Joy.
Everyone at Stupid Cancer would like to extend an enormous thank you to Joanna for sharing her story with us and the community.
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdennstaedt/
Together we are ending isolation and building community for those impacted by cancer.
