Join the Circle of Support: A Story of Courage and Determination
Two weeks ago today, as I sat by the hotel rooftop pool in Rome, my phone unexpectedly rang. Seeing my sister's name illuminate the screen, I answered with excitement.
"I'm so sorry to call," she said, her voice heavy with concern. "I didn't want to disrupt your trip, but I didn't know who else to turn to."
She had just received the devastating news of a Uterine Cancer diagnosis, a piece of information that came without details about the stage, treatment plans, or next steps. The weight of that single word, "cancer," hung in the air.
Over the following ten days, both of us rode the tumultuous waves of emotions, oscillating between thoughts like "This must be a mistake, she'll be alright" and the haunting "What if she's not?" The uncertainty was relentless. The rollercoaster finally eased on Tuesday evening, bringing us what felt like a glimmer of hope.
"The doctors are hopefult hat it's stage one," my sister shared. "and that surgery might be the only course of action."
In an instant, a heavy load lifted from my shoulders, as if unseen boulders had been gently removed. Yet, just as we started to exhale, a new layer of complication emerged yesterday.
She confided, "I hate to sound dramatic, but I have to be honest." She then described the COVID-like symptoms she was grappling with. The realization hit hard; this virus poses additional risks to those already facing health challenges. And so, once again, I found myself enveloped in the familiar discomfort of the unknown, awaiting further news.
For those unacquainted with my sister, she's a living testament to determination. As a child, she refused to let age or size define her capabilities. Before she could even walk, she mastered the art of escaping her crib and climbing back in, driven by an irresistible curiosity. Those nocturnal escapades led her to explore my room, tugging open every drawer she could reach, scattering its contents across the floor.
Her silent declaration echoed, "I may be small, yet I conquer the impossible."
This same spirit guided her to gymnastics at the tender age of seven. With a natural prowess for flexibility, strength, and audacity, she embarked on rigorous training under the guidance of an Olympic coach from Brazil. By nine, she harbored an unwavering belief in her future Olympic journey. At thirteen, a string of injuries forced her to reevaluate, yet her determination remained unshaken.
After dabbling in cheerleading, she stumbled upon a story about Phoebe Mills, a former Olympic gymnast turned platform diver. Eureka! Her path crystallized; she too would dive. A month at a diving camp in Florida ensued, where she harnessed her strength, flexibility, and daring for the diving board. I vividly recall her first practice session from the 3-meter platform, a casual shout: "Don't be alarmed if my ponytail brushes the board. It's intentional."
"I may be small, but I defy the impossible."
Diving became her vessel to maintain her Olympic aspirations. In 1996, she stepped onto the Olympic trials stage for the 10-meter platform. While not securing a spot on the Olympic team (only two do), her performance exuded bravery, determination, and drive. Witnessing her from the stands filled me with immense pride.
Today, she remains an athlete, albeit in a less fiercely competitive arena as a yogi. Magazine covers spotlight her executing mind-bending poses, and she's graced stages worldwide for yoga teacher trainings. Her first book, "Chakra Rituals," graced shelves in 2021. At 5'2", a stark contrast to my 5'6", she continues to defy the boundaries of possibility.
Yet, a facet of her personality is her propensity to care for others more than herself, which makes asking for assistance all the more challenging. Her symptoms surfaced six weeks prior to her diagnosis, casting a shadow on her ability to teach. Despite our gratitude for the optimistic stage one diagnosis, the recovery ahead will be an arduous journey, spanning at least eight weeks before she can reclaim her yoga mat.
I am confident that she will approach her recovery with the same unwavering strength, bravery, and determination that has guided her through every achievement, both significant and modest, in her remarkable journey. My fervent hope is to bolster her through this process, alleviating unnecessary stress and obstacles. Thus, I'm reaching out to all of you on her behalf, with a heartfelt plea to stand by my sister during this critical juncture. Your support at this time of need is invaluable.
Click HERE to support Cristi.