The Face of Living & Thriving

Suzanne Saberniak 55

My name is Suzanne and I am a 55 year old warrior. I am grateful to be married to, and spending my days with my best friend and truest love-my husband, Bernie & our fur baby, Mackenzie.

2017....What started as my 50th around the sun, I called it, “The Year of Suzanne”. I was surrounded by family and friends as I began my year celebrating with special events each month. Feeling cherished, spoiled, joyful and invincible. I, like so many, was unprepared for the unexpected....I felt punched between the eyes....it stopped me in my tracks and everything I knew changed in an instant. It left me wondering , how do I move forward now?

Just a few months before my 50th birthday, something was off and I chalked it up to getting OLD. I had a few trips to emergency within a short span and on the 3rd visit , I was admitted to hospital and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. Next thing I knew, they were asking me what my wishes were?! 10 days later after many scans and a biopsy, they released me only to wait another 5-7 days to find out what the bigger problem was....LUNG CANCER - stage 4 - terminal and paliative.

What?! Who me?! How is this possible? I am not even a smoker and I am definitely way too young!

After receiving this news I became determined to kick cancer’s ass to the curb. I knew in my heart I had to stay positive in order to survive. I have been and outlier and have beaten the odds; the 4% chance they gave me. The cancer has continually popped up over the years, my spine, my pelvis, my brain, but I kept pushing back in order to stabilize it through the many different radiation sessions and even through a rod being put in my femur.

With the support of so many I have also had the means to access integrative naturopathic cancer care treatments that have been a huge part of a better quality of life and longevity. Through positivity and perseverance, I have had many times where I was able to participate in activities that I love. Being outdoors with my beloved pup for long walks, skiing and surfing when they told me I would not be able to ever do this again.

I have grown to have a greater appreciation for life. I realize that life is temporary for all of us and it is best to make the most of it and be for grateful for each day we are given. At first I felt guilty when people would compliment me on how good, healthy and strong I looked; I felt I should look like I was dying. I have chosen a more positive view and I am proud to be the face of what living and thriving can look like at the threshold of death.

I had a setback in the Spring of this year, 2022, when I was told my cancer was progressing and it made me realize how important my mindset is. There are always going to be days in all of our lives where it is more difficult to see the positive; but those are the most important times to see the silver linings, the joy, and to celebrate the people in our lives. My mindset has evolved to just believing that I can overcome anything that I am faced with. I believe in outting it out there to the Universe, in the greater good, in finding the positive and joy in everything. I will remain an outlier - determined, courageous, resilient, beautiful and strong.

5 years since my diagnosis with a 4% survival rate, everyday is living it like my last, and I seem to be just taking in an outpouring of one more day.

I am still alive and that is to be celebrated! I deserve this day and the next and the next,. I am grateful for the village that surrounds me, that is made up with the most cherished, phenomenal family members, friends and members of the community. I will awake each morning with purpose and a grateful heart; looking for the joy, love, and opportunity that each day offers me.