Sarah Thomas: marathon swimmer

Marathon swimmer Sarah Thomas reflects on the theme of ‘hope’ for our May edition of the magazine. 

In the past month, three friends close to me have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ve received a couple of notes from others, strangers, who are recently diagnosed and seeking support. Every time I hear from someone, friend or stranger, it’s like a shot to the heart. My stomach churns and I wonder if I will have the right words to comfort, without sugarcoating what lies ahead.

Every cancer journey is different, but the one thing that is the same for everyone is that it’s horrible. It doesn’t matter at what stage you’re diagnosed, what your treatment plan looks like, or what the predicted outcome is. You can look at stats and survival rates and get second or third opinions. But no matter how much you think you know, nothing ever truly prepares you for what is coming. 

Pain.
Tears.
Heartbreak.
Solitude.
Fear.

According to the World Health Organization, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2020. By the end of 2020, there were around 7.8 million women alive who had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last five years, making it the most prevalent cancer worldwide.

It’s crazy to think that I have done a couple of swims that no one has ever done, but yet I share an experience with some eight million people around the world. Cancer brings us together, even when it’s breaking us down. Cancer is not something I’d wish on my worst enemy. 

I don’t even think I have any enemies, but if I did, I wouldn’t wish a cancer diagnosis upon them. No one deserves that pain, but the truth is, statistically, at some point in your life, you will be impacted by cancer, whether it’s yourself or someone you love. 

It breaks my heart just a little bit every time I hear of a new diagnosis. Sure, treatment plans are significantly improved from the 1980s. Survival rates are going up for those of us lucky enough to live in countries with strong early detection programs and modern medicine. But, it’s not enough. October is breast cancer awareness month around the world, but for those of us living with or surviving with breast cancer, it’s a year-long, every day journey, for the rest of our lives.

When you hear of someone who has been recently diagnosed, reach out. Let them know you’re thinking about them. As long as you don’t suggest eating lemons to cure their cancer (this really happens), then you can’t say the wrong thing. And if you don’t know what to say, give them my email. I’d rather my heart break 2.3 million times a year than to think of a single person feeling alone during treatment, without some sense of hope that they’re going to be ok, that they will be able to swim again or be themselves. And while you’re at it, donate to a reputable charity. 

There’s never enough research being done to find a cure or money donated toward resources we need to survive the treatment. Help give someone hope.