Celebrating My 10-Year Cancerversary: A Milestone Journey in the Heart of Italy

I was thrilled when my sister and brother-in-law invited me to join them on a trip to Italy. I immediately began saving for the plane ticket and spending money, determined to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The flight was long, with a connecting stop, but every moment of travel was worth it. Italy’s beauty was breathtaking, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude the moment we arrived. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine visiting such a magical place, especially after my lung cancer diagnosis.

The power of life and resilience

This trip marked my 10-year "cancerversary", a celebration made possible by advancements in lung cancer research. Every experience was phenomenal—from the mouthwatering food to the exquisite wine and the unforgettable cappuccinos, which were easily the best I’ve ever had. Exploring Italy felt like stepping into a dream, and it reminded me of the beauty of life and resilience. For anyone celebrating a milestone, whether it is five or ten years of living with lung cancer or another significant victory, I wholeheartedly recommend Italy as the ultimate destination. It was more than a trip; it was a celebration of life, hope, and the incredible journey I’ve been blessed to continue.

Finding peace and community in Tuscany

Our trip to Italy was unforgettable, especially because we stayed in a beautiful hotel in Tuscany, in a small town called Grosseto. Specifically, we were in Marina di Grosseto, a charming seaside area. I joined my sister and brother-in-law for this trip because they were attending the Feast of the Tabernacles, an annual celebration by the United Church of God. Each year, they choose a different location around the world for this special week, and I was so grateful they invited me to join them. It felt fitting to celebrate my 10-year cancerversary in such a meaningful and beautiful setting.

During our stay, we toured Siena, Florence, and Pisa—each place was magical in its own way. Siena was a quaint and historic town, with an atmosphere so relaxing it left me speechless. Florence, though bustling with tourists, was absolutely stunning, bursting with art, culture, and history at every corner. Pisa was smaller, but seeing the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa in person was surreal. Every moment was filled with awe and appreciation for the beauty and history around me. The food was incredible, and I couldn’t resist indulging in shopping at the many gift shops. It was truly a celebration of life and resilience.

Exploring the magic of Venice and Rome

After a fabulous week in Tuscany celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles in the charming town of Grosseto—a place I absolutely fell in love with—we extended our trip for another week to explore more of Italy. If I ever get the chance to return, Grosseto will be at the top of my list. For the second part of our adventure, we headed to Venice and then drove down to Rome, each offering its own unforgettable experiences.

Venice, where we stayed for two days, instantly became my favorite place. Its beauty is indescribable—stunning architecture, rich history, and the surreal charm of a city on water. I learned Venice is around 1,600 years old, which added to the magic. The highlight was a gondola ride, where I reflected on my life, appreciating every moment, both the highs and the lows. It was a bit chilly, and I hadn’t packed for cooler weather, but the experience more than made up for it.

In Rome, we spent three days immersed in its vibrant energy. Touring the Colosseum, the Vatican Museum, ancient ruins, and the iconic Trevi Fountain was incredible. Despite all the walking—over 10,000 steps daily!—I was captivated by the history and grandeur of the city. Both cities were unforgettable, but Venice will always hold a special place in my heart.

Encouragement for your own journey

I wholeheartedly encourage anyone celebrating a cancer anniversary to plan a special trip. Whether it’s a destination you’ve always dreamed of visiting, a bucket-list vacation, or a place you thought you’d never see, make it happen. It’s not impossible! Whether you’re marking one year, three years, five years, ten years, or even twenty years of living with lung cancer, take the time to celebrate your journey and resilience. A trip like this is more than a getaway—it’s a chance to reflect on how far you’ve come, to create joyful memories, and to honor your strength. You deserve it, and life’s milestones are worth celebrating in a big way!