One in three women and one in two men in the U.S. will battle cancer in their lifetime. You know them. You love them. You might be one of them.
In this final installment of a three-part series showcasing 12 women’s experiences with the disease, they’ll share how you can show up in big or small ways that will undoubtedly make a difference. Some of the women are in remission, some are undergoing treatment, and others have taken preventative measures in hopes of never receiving a diagnosis.
Read on for their advice on how you can best support someone on their cancer journey, and the power of simple gestures and emotional support.
“My Board of Directors increased my PTO so that I would be paid while off on medical leave. Additionally, a food train was set up for me. I had 4 weeks of meals delivered to my house, which was spectacular.”
Wendy Noe, 47, Westfield, IN
Diagnosed with Stage 1, Grade 2, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2023.
“My love language is gift giving, so I was spoiled rotten. I received care packages and notes of encouragement from both coasts, local friends created a meal train, and while I was still on medication, chauffeured me around to appointments. My favorite is when I would receive a surprise hydration tea on the front porch or a text that said, ‘Please do not feel that you have to respond. Just know that I love you.’”
Becca Manolov, 47, Zionsville, IN
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020.
“My mom and my partner took me to all of my appointments for months, cooked for me, and took care of my cat. My mom and partner researched my surgeries and treatments and bought me things to help make my recovery easier. Those were the most important things. I am also so grateful to them and all of my family and friends who spent time with me doing ‘normal’ stuff— puzzles, games, binge-watching TV, etc. Thank you for helping me take my mind off what was going on and helping me enjoy my worst days.”
Anastasia Lakshmanan, 32, Indianapolis, IN
Diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer at the age of 31 in January of 2024.
“I chose to have my port removed earlier than the oncologist advised. She wanted me to keep it in just in case. A dear sister friend offered to give me an energy session after it had been removed. I remember lying in the bed in her spare bedroom. She put on a meditation and would come in and out, placing essential oils on an energy center. I went into a very trancey state. I could hear her in the kitchen making food and could smell it. I can still bring my body back to that place. That same sister friend told me that we would go dancing a year from that date. That I would be alive. I still have it on my calendar as a reminder that pops up every year.”
Em Strong, 44, Austin, TX
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
“My network was incredibly supportive, and I was very clear with what energy I wanted or didn’t want. The most helpful was when my closest friends took the burden of communication off my plate and acted as a liaison for my broader network. The messages of support were always welcome, but the questions/texts/calls of ‘How are you doing?’ were often too much. I also used CaringBridge to communicate, which was great.’”
Lena Eliopoulos, 41, Chicago, IL
Diagnosed with Stage 1B invasive ductal Carcinoma, ER and HER2+ in July 2023.
“Having someone sit with you and let you speak your truth. There were days I would cry and just want to give up. Having someone listen and not give me a pep talk helped. We need to be able to really share how we feel and what’s happening to us.”
Amy Schwartz, 47, Middlebury, IN
Diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2020.
“In the beginning, the most helpful were my friends who simply let me vent, cry, scream, and be scared without trying to give advice. There was one afternoon after an oncology appointment that my friend just sat in my car with me while I had a meltdown, and she didn’t try to make it better, she was just there, and that’s all I needed.”
Rachel Hickey, 40, Indianapolis, IN
Diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer in 2024. Currently undergoing chemotherapy.
“Helping with meals was huge. Having people come sit with you, watch movies, or just hang out during recovery was so nice. Showing up without asking in a way that doesn’t require the person recovering to ask for help is always welcome (we women don’t love to ask for help).”
Jessica Limeberry, 40, Greenwood, IN
Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018. Kidney tumor removed in 2024.
“I had several friends and family members who checked in on me regularly. I appreciated their simple texts asking how I was, and they were thinking of me. They also regularly asked if I was feeling well enough to meet for lunch/coffee. Another friend made up a cute bag filled with goodies for my chemo days—she’d obviously done her research and found out what others found helpful.”
Cindy Kupiainen, 56, Indianapolis, IN
Diagnosed with DCIS, a stage 0 breast cancer in 2018. Diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer in 2023
“I had friends who went with me to chemo and doctor’s appointments when my husband couldn’t. They would even take notes to make sure they got all the information to give back to him (when I was drowsy from chemo drugs). My three best friends from college came to visit after my mastectomy, and I woke up from a nap to one of them cleaning my house, one folding laundry, and one mowing the yard. They didn’t ask, “What can I do for you?” They just saw a need and did it. Work friends put together a food train and were so supportive and never made me feel guilty when I had to miss work or leave early. College friends put together a “boost box” of little gifts with letters that would make me smile and give me a boost when I needed it. A friend from my hometown sent me a weekly card that she thought I would find funny.”
Brynna Blodgett, 43, Indianapolis, IN
Diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer in 2015
ResearcHERS of Indiana
At Indy Maven, we know even just one person can make a difference, so we’re proud to support ResearcHERS: Women Fighting Cancer, a movement that engages women to raise funds to directly support women cancer researchers.
Women make invaluable contributions to cancer research, yet they’re consistently underrepresented in research leadership. The ResearcHERS campaign wants to change that. Their goal is to ensure the unique perspective of women remains a powerful and growing force in cancer research. Support them by donating here.
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