We know that every breast cancer survivor and thriver has a unique story and journey. Over the years, we’ve seen how powerful it can be to hear from others who have walked a similar path. Many of our grantees find encouragement, connection, comfort, and hope in shared experiences. This was something our co-founder, Jen, embraced wholeheartedly, openly sharing every part of her story, from the highs to the hardships. Today, we are honored to help create spaces where grantees can connect and share their voices. We are especially grateful to Maria, a past Go Jen Go grantee and breast cancer survivor, for offering the reflection below on her journey and the lessons she hopes will inspire others.
When I first heard the words, “You have breast cancer,” my world stopped.
Like so many women, my mind immediately raced to the unknowns. What would treatment look like? Would I be okay? How would this change my family, my career, and the future I had worked so hard to build?
What I didn’t realize then was that this journey would give me something I never expected: the confidence to become my own greatest advocate.
Listening to My Body
Long before my diagnosis, I knew something wasn’t right.
I was experiencing symptoms that were easy to dismiss individually — persistent exhaustion, night sweats, changes in my body, and a deep feeling that something was off. On paper, some things looked normal. To others, I may have appeared healthy.
But I knew my body.
That intuition became one of my greatest strengths.
Advocacy often begins with believing in yourself before anyone else does. It means asking another question when the answers don’t feel complete. It means requesting another test when your instincts tell you something is missing. It means refusing to let fear or uncertainty silence your voice.
Confidence Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Afraid
People often mistake confidence for fearlessness.
My experience taught me something different.
Confidence is showing up to appointments with questions, even when you’re overwhelmed.
Confidence is making treatment decisions after educating yourself and weighing what is best for your body and your life.
Confidence is allowing yourself to cry while still choosing hope.
I underwent surgery and completed radiation treatment, celebrating the milestone of ringing the bell. That bell wasn’t simply the end of treatment — it represented every difficult decision, every early morning appointment, every prayer, every tear, and every moment I chose to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.
Becoming Your Own Advocate
One of the greatest lessons cancer taught me is that no one knows your body better than you do.
Your medical team brings expertise. Your loved ones bring support. But you bring something equally important: your lived experience. You know your body better than anyone else.
Never be afraid to:
- Ask questions until you understand the answers.
- Seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right.
- Bring someone with you to appointments to help you document.
- Keep notes and advocate for your concerns.
- Speak up when something changes.
Your voice matters and it could be vital in your journey.
Confidence Beyond Cancer
Healing doesn’t end when treatment does.
There are still follow-up appointments, moments of anxiety, physical recovery, and emotional healing. There are days when your body reminds you of everything you’ve been through.
But there are also moments when you realize how much stronger you’ve become.
Cancer didn’t define me.
It refined me.
Today, I carry a deeper appreciation for life, a stronger sense of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to helping other women recognize their own strength. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or years into survivorship, know this:
You are allowed to advocate for yourself.
You are allowed to ask for help.
You are allowed to take up space.
And you are capable of walking through this journey with courage, even on the days when courage feels small.
To Every Woman Reading This
If you’re waiting for permission to trust yourself, this is it.
Listen to your body.
Ask the hard questions.
Stand confidently in your truth.
Your voice could change your diagnosis, your treatment, your outcome, or even save your life.
Breast cancer changed my life, but it also reminded me of something I’ll never forget: confidence isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about believing your voice deserves to be heard.
And it absolutely does.
Meet Maria Friday
Maria Friday, MPA, PMP, is a transformational women’s leadership coach, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, breast cancer survivor, and seasoned project management professional dedicated to helping women lead with confidence, purpose, and resilience. As a devoted wife to Steven Friday, proud mother of three daughters, and bonus mother to one son, Maria understands firsthand the importance of balancing personal fulfillment, family, and professional success.
Maria’s personal journey as a breast cancer survivor has deepened her passion for inspiring women to overcome adversity, embrace self-worth, and pursue their God-given purpose. Through her coaching, speaking engagements, and leadership programs, she equips women with the tools, confidence, and mindset needed to navigate life’s challenges, elevate their careers, and create lasting impact.
