When Joy came to the United States as an international student in 2023, the 31-year-old’s dream was to pursue a degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and eventually earn her Ph.D in education. She had already spent six years teaching children in China and felt a deep calling to devote her life to education.
But just months into her studies in Columbia, South Carolina, everything changed when a car accident turned into a shocking blessing in disguise. What Joy first assumed was an injury from the accident turned out to be Stage 2 estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive (ER/PR+) invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).
Joy suddenly found herself facing breast cancer alone in a foreign country.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene hit South Carolina, causing widespread power outages. Several days after the storm, Joy was driving through an intersection with no working traffic lights when she was hit by a speeding car. Thankfully, Joy suffered only minor injuries, one of which she believed caused a hard lump to develop in her breast. Assuming it was an injury from her seat belt, Joy decided to have a medical checkup to make sure everything was ok.
It was through that exam and subsequent testing that Joy received the news that the lump was not an injury from the accident. It was breast cancer. “What I once thought was a terrible accident turned out to be a hidden blessing,” she says. “I’m so grateful God allowed me to truly experience how in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”
Joy’s diagnosis initially caused her to feel alone and isolated. “This was a very desperate moment for me—being in a foreign country without family by my side.” But Joy’s local church community stepped in right away, providing her with meals, rides, prayer, and constant encouragement.
Eventually, Joy’s mother was able to be by her side during treatment: “During my second phase of chemotherapy, I was especially blessed when my mother was able to obtain a visa and come to the U.S. to take care of me. Her presence brought me great comfort. In many moments of despair when I could not see the future, my mother and I prayed together daily and experienced God’s grace.”
In addition to the physical challenges and stress that came with her breast cancer treatment, Joy and her mother also experienced financial burdens due to Joy’s unique position as an international student in the United States. As such, she was not eligible for many forms of assistance, which led to food and financial insecurity for the mother and daughter. “My mother has cared for me with all her heart, often sacrificing her own needs. To save money, she sometimes ate only cheap food with little nutrition,” Joy shared.
Fortunately, Joy’s hospital is a partner in NBCF’s Patient Relief Program, which provides eligible breast cancer patients with financial resources to pay for things like groceries and toiletries, transportation to and from appointments, home utilities, and other cost-of-living support during treatment.
Sarah, the social worker at Joy’s hospital, said that she “immediately thought of Joy as someone who would be of great benefit” for patient relief support and connected her to NBCF right away. In addition to helping financially, Joy says the funds she received have made an emotional difference for her as well:
“Receiving financial support has not only relieved my practical burdens, but also made me feel cared for and supported through one of the hardest seasons of my life. It has allowed me to focus on my treatment and recovery without being overwhelmed by financial worries. It has given me hope, comfort, and the strength to keep moving forward.”
After chemotherapy and surgery, Joy is now in radiation therapy and expects to complete treatment by the end of the year. After experiencing breast cancer and treatment firsthand, Joy is now driven to share her story and her advice with others to offer them encouragement and support.
For those who do not have breast cancer, Joy emphasizes the importance of early detection and receiving health screenings for breast cancer and other women’s health conditions.
“I wish I had known earlier the importance of doing regular checkups, especially breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings. I used to be very healthy and often ignored the need to go in for checkups. I was too confident in my own health.”
Download the free screenings guide to learn more about the 10 most common health screenings women should receive, from breast and ovarian cancer screenings to osteoporosis, diabetes, and more.
Through her experience, Joy says she’s learned that breast cancer is not a one-time event; it is life-altering. She encourages others to be prepared and patient with themselves on their journey.
“At first, I was not prepared for a long-term battle. I just wanted to recover quickly and return to a normal life. But along the way, I learned that no matter what happens to my body, every single day of life is a gift and a blessing. Now, I remind myself not to rush, but to face each day with joy and to look toward the future with hope.”
Joy strongly encourages other women experiencing breast cancer to seek out community and support in the midst of their struggle, whether it be from friends and family, their church community, or joining a breast cancer support group.
“I am grateful that, through the love and support of so many people, I have been able to walk out of the shadow of cancer and see the sunshine beyond the clouds. I continue to hold hope for the future.”
After chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, Joy is now cancer-free! Despite all she has been through, Joy has remained positive as she plans to continue her studies and earn her Ph.D. in education. Overall, she is grateful for how her experience has shaped her life and her faith.
“I’m grateful that cancer gave me a new perspective to think about the length and depth of life, and about its true meaning and purpose. It made me realize that my life is not controlled by cancer, but by the one and only God. I stopped asking, ‘Why me?’ and instead began to give thanks as I realized that every day I am alive is a blessing.”
National Breast Cancer Foundation is here for you as you navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. Visit our website to learn about NBCF breast cancer support groups, obtain free educational resources, or find a patient navigator in your area.
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