Winning The Fight Of Her Life
A Survivor Shares Her Captivating Personal Story of Tragedy and Triumph Through Book
By Kevin Drummond
“Pretty Girls Don’t Get Cancer,” the doctor said.
That’s what 16-year-old Maria Patricia Diaz was told in 1989 by a doctor after she sought his help when her health deteriorated. At the time, Diaz had visible tumors on her skull and under her armpit. She went to a doctor who saw it and summarily dismissed it, saying cancer can’t happen to “pretty girls.” She was diagnosed with Stage IV Adolescent terminal cancer two months after that “opinion.”
Born and raised in Venezuela, she found the phrase so personal and powerful that she used it as the title of her award-winning book, that chronicles the journey of her fight with the disease.
The American Cancer Society estimated 89,500 adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer cases in the U.S. in 2020. AYA are people who range from 15 to 39 years old. More than 9,000 deaths were estimated in that group.
Diaz is now in full remission and has been for more than 30 years. It is unlikely the cancer will return. But she continues to get regular checkups.
“The recovery was unexpected. It was almost a miracle,” she says.
Diaz said there were many high and low points. The lowest point was her first chemotherapy treatment. “It was a horrifying experience. I don’t wish that upon anybody. It was hard to take. One of the worst days of my life, if not the worst.”
“After remission, I went to college and got an accounting degree,” says the young author. “At that age, I wanted to learn how money moves in businesses. You can continue to achieve your goals and dreams during and after cancer. That episode doesn't have to define your entire life! It does however teach a resiliency that will be helpful during many different phases.”
But there were moments of joy, too. The most uplifting time occurred one night in a hospital when reuniting with her family in prayer. “It was a beautiful reunion of everyone with the goal of healing. I felt I could have left the Earth because I was given the gift of family and love.”
Diaz relied on her faith during the low points. “It gave me the strength to withstand anything and that I would be fine whatever the outcome. I had no idea I had it in me. My faith was never tested until that time.”
After remission, she went to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in Venezuela and a master’s in human resources from Georgia State University.
She achieved goals and experienced and appreciated life more fully. “I started to have more fun, go to the beach more, laugh more, and take myself lightly. Life doesn't have to be that serious.”
Diaz donates proceeds from her book, “Pretty Girls Don’t Get Cancer,” to cancer-supporting organizations and volunteers her time teaching yoga to those organizations.“I love to give back to those organizations that are essential.”
She discovered the critical importance of listening to her mind and body. Through learning and teaching yoga and preparing plant-based diets, Diaz benefits from a healthy lifestyle. She recommended, “Take time to listen to what signs your body is telling you and get help when needed.”
When asked what advice she would give to adolescent and young adult cancer patients, she says, “You don’t deserve [cancer], but live the experience. Bad things happen to good people. Seek help. Miracles can happen. Life is worth living. All the trouble is worth it because life is beautiful.”
Pretty girls don’t get cancer.
When the cancer survivor hears that statement today, she says, “It is a reminder to challenge those situations that don't feel right, and true beauty comes from our actions and not our looks.”
