In March of 2024, Fulvia’s life took an unexpected turn. Living in Waxhaw, North Carolina, far from her native Colombia, she was suddenly thrust into a battle that no one is ever truly prepared for—breast cancer.
“I felt a lump in my left breast,” Fulvia recalls. “It sometimes caused me pain, so I decided to have a mammogram on March 20th.” The results were alarming. On March 29th, she underwent two biopsies, and by April 3rd, her fears were confirmed. “The two biopsy samples showed cancer in the left breast and lymph node,” she says, her voice tinged with the memory of that fateful day. “I was perplexed by the news. It was a mixture of feelings between surprise and fear.”
The diagnosis marked the beginning of a grueling journey. The insurance company quickly connected Fulvia with a team of specialists—a surgeon and an oncologist—who devised a treatment plan. She would start with chemotherapy, followed by surgery, and finally, radiotherapy. “At first, I was a little afraid of chemotherapy because of the side effects,” Fulvia admits. “Today, I have already completed the strongest stage of chemotherapy. I only asked God to give me the strength to endure, and so it was. I have had days with strong effects and others not so strong. Now I am in stage two of chemotherapy, where the effects are milder.”
Fulvia’s resilience is remarkable, but she is quick to credit her support system for helping her stay strong. “My family lives in Colombia,” she explains. “I am here in Waxhaw with my husband and my two children, and they have been my greatest support, along with a few friends. I have also had the support of my coworkers, who have been very supportive, and the church in Waxhaw where I attend.”
“She is a strong, brave, warrior woman who has not let herself be defeated by difficult situations. She is a woman who fully trusts in God and in His will. Because of cancer, she had to postpone some goals that she had set for herself, but she has not lost her dreams of moving forward. Do not lose faith and trust in God and continue forward until you find complete healing.” – Luis, Fulvia’s husband
Despite the challenges, Fulvia remains focused on what brings her joy. “I like to share and celebrate special dates with my family,” she says. “I enjoy nature. Now, in this process, I value the little things, and I have learned that waking up every day is a wonderful gift that God gives us.”
Go Jen Go made a significant impact on Fulvia’s journey. “One of the things that changes when faced with a cancer diagnosis are finances—bills, medical expenses, healthy eating, etc. Sometimes they are overwhelming and it causes financial stress,” Fulvia says. “But I received help from Go Jen Go, and it was a relief for my finances. I received a grant that helped support my rent for six months. Go Jen Go is a foundation that shows compassion towards patients facing breast cancer. They personally gave me hope and made me feel like I am not alone.”
Fulvia’s message to others battling breast cancer is one of hope and faith. “Keep going,” she encourages. “After the storm comes calm; after a dark night comes a beautiful sun. Don’t lose the joy of life. There is
someone who can understand us, strengthen us, and heal us, and that is our Lord Jesus Christ. Put your trust in Him because He works wonderful miracles.”
As Fulvia continues her fight against breast cancer, she remains vigilant about her health and encourages others to do the same. “It is important to be alert at the slightest suspicion that something is not right in our body,” she advises. “Detect any sign of cancer in time. And to anyone who is going through a difficult time, keep going—God is in control.”
Fulvia’s journey shows the strength of the human spirit, the importance of community, and the power of faith. As she faces each new day with courage, she is a reminder of hope for others who may be walking a similar path.
By: Waxhaw & Marvin Living Magazine
