What if cancer became the moment that finally brought you back to life?
In this episode, Thandi Montgomery, coach, speaker, and founder of Thandi Monee, shares how a stage one breast cancer diagnosis at age 38 reshaped everything. A busy advertising executive and mom of two, she moved from constant motion to a life grounded in purpose, self-advocacy, and healing.
Her journey began with a simple self-exam that led to early detection and a life changing diagnosis. Through four surgeries, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and 30 days of radiation, she chose to actively partner in her care. She blended traditional treatment with integrative practices like nutrition, acupuncture, and mindfulness. Creativity became her outlet, helping her process fear, reclaim control, and document her experience through writing and film.
Thandi introduces her RISE framework, guiding others to recognize what happened, identify needed changes, set a new path, and elevate their voice. She speaks honestly about survivorship, including fear, identity shifts, and the ongoing work of healing.
Her story is a reminder that even in the hardest moments, there is space to rediscover who you are and choose how you want to live moving forward.
Highlights:
· How self-advocacy can change the speed and outcome of your diagnosis
· What it looks like to combine medical treatment with holistic healing
· How creativity can help you process fear and regain control
· Why survivorship is often harder than treatment itself
· How to shift from simply existing to living with intention
Mentioned Resources:
CanCare- www.cancare.org
Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook
Thandi Montgomery –www.thandimonee.com
About the Guest:
Thandi Montgomery is a breast cancer survivor, coach, speaker, and founder of Thandi Monee. Through transformational programs she empowers cancer survivors to thrive and unlock their truth. Her work centers creativity, and community, offering unwavering support and whole person guidance throughout every stage of the cancer journey. She also partners with DO Cancer to expand access to education and awareness.
Love the podcast? You’ll be moved by the book. The Hope in the Face of Cancer book shares inspiring, real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. Raw, uplifting, and full of heart—for anyone seeking hope and connection. Get your copy: cancare.org/hopebook.
About Our Host:
Darcie Champagne Wells is the President and CEO of CanCare, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to providing support to the cancer community by pairing cancer patients with survivors. Since joining in November 2020 as the third President & CEO, Darcie has driven significant growth, increasing one-to-one support matches by 45% and healthcare referrals by 66%. In 2022, she initiated the Impact Acceleration Initiative to further expand support for cancer patients and caregivers. Her leadership has earned her recognition as a “Most Admired CEO” and “Woman Who Means Business” by the Houston Business Journal, and national “Fundraiser of the Year” by RAISE. Darcie holds a BS in Business Administration from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the University of Houston.
https://www.cancare.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CanCareInc
https://www.instagram.com/cancare_inc
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📖 Enjoy the podcast? You’ll love the book.
Check out our book, Hope in the Face of Cancer—a powerful collection of real stories from survivors, caregivers, and healthcare heroes. It’s uplifting, raw, and full of heart. Get your copy at cancare.org/hopebook.
