Ollie Cunningham

Username

olliecunningham

Video

Ollie

City

Brookline

State

MA

Occupation

volunteer

Hobbies

Singing, reading, and swimming

Favorite Books

Currently, my favorite thing to read is the poetry of Audre Lorde. She shares a lot of her cancer experience and reminds readers they’re women regardless of their experience with cancer.

Proudest Moment

Serving in the Peace Corps (1975-78)—their ads are right, it’s the toughest thing you’ll ever love.

Where I look for inspiration

Through my mother, I could discuss anything with her, especially about my personal life.

I am a

Survivor in Remission

Age at Diagnosis

59

Diagnosed

January 2005

What was the most important lesson you learned?

We are not exempt from anything happening to us regardless of what happens we can go on with life.

What would you like to tell other women who are either newly diagnosed or too afraid to seek treatment?

I would tell them that it is okay to have fear because this is one of the tests of God to see how much you can endure. You can endure whatever comes your way. Go through the fear, the pain, the anger, and know that you will come through stronger. You have to believe and trust that things are going to be okay.

Best advice given to me by a Survivor

Your strength is not going anywhere. Let yourself go through what you need to go through, and you will come back as strong or stronger. Believe you will be alright.