Welcome Home: Project Life Opens Doors to Wellness for the MBC Community
In a world where support for people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) can be difficult to find, Alycia Villasana, a metastatic breast cancer thriver, found a safe haven at Project Life. The innovative virtual wellness house that addresses the unique survivorship needs of individuals living with metastatic breast cancer that’s redefining what surviving truly means.
In 2003, Alycia's life took an unexpected turn when she discovered a lump in her breast. After enduring a lengthy process of diagnosis and treatment, Alycia was labeled a survivor of stage 2b hormone-receptive breast cancer. Although people told her she had the "good" kind of cancer and to “move on with her life,” her cancer journey was far from over.
Years of battling health issues, enduring unexplained pains, and breathing problems eventually led to a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis in December 2019. With metastasis in her lung and lymph nodes, Alycia started a new round of treatment while simultaneously being the primary caregiver for her elderly parents.
The year 2020 brought additional changes as the pandemic forced Alycia to close her childcare program due to health risks, leaving a void in her life. It was during this search for purpose and support that she discovered Project Life.
Unlike many survivorship programs that exclude those in active treatment, Project Life recognizes the importance of supporting the MBC community throughout their experiences after a metastatic/terminal diagnosis in a holistic way. Recognizing the ripple effects that an MBC diagnosis can have on those around the patient, they've created programs specifically tailored to caregivers and are exploring ways to better meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
The leadership team, all living with MBC themselves, understands the challenges faced by the community and aims to fill the gap left by traditional medical systems and survivorship programs. By prioritizing quality over quantity, Project Life provides small, targeted educational opportunities, such as cooking classes, the Ask the Expert series, and personalized legal clinics. The goal is to create a supportive online community where individuals can find hope, healing, and personalized support tailored to their unique survivorship experience. Through initiatives like virtual open houses and mentorship programs, Project Life strives to meet the specific needs of each person, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
Alycia's first class, "Expressing your feelings through color summer series," provided a safe space for her to acknowledge and embrace deep emotions, with unwavering support from fellow Project Life members. Engaging in healing circles, yoga, art therapy, cooking classes, and more, each session becomes a unique and personal experience that makes her life better. But her involvement with Project Life goes beyond participation. Alycia's life with MBC has transformed into a journey of advocacy and mentorship. As a mentor, she aspires to guide others through their own MBC journeys, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported.
"Project Life offers a safe and inclusive space where I can truly express myself and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of living with MBC," said Alycia. "The resources and guidance provided by Project Life have been invaluable in helping me navigate this complex journey."
For Alycia, and undoubtedly many others, Project Life has transformed the MBC experience into one of strength, resilience, and community. Taking their cues from the community, Project Life also recently debuted an Advocacy Boot Camp specifically for those MBC patients feeling left out of cancer advocacy efforts and are utilizing peer mentorship and personal connections to help those graduates find their advocacy niche
Project Life, as Alycia passionately describes, is much more than an MBC support group; it is an ever-evolving community that offers a variety of resources. Alycia encourages anyone grappling with MBC to explore the incredible offerings of Project Life, where a nurturing community awaits with open arms.
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