Cancer Changed Her Perspective, Not Her Purpose
As we conclude our World Cancer Day 2026 – United by Unique campaign, we share a story that captures the true heart of people-centered cancer care, a journey shaped by both professional dedication and personal experience.
For 25 years, Hedri Powell worked within the oncology community as a social worker and counsellor at ABJ Oncology, supporting patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. With knowledge, empathy and professional insight, she walked alongside countless individuals navigating cancer.
Then cancer invited her into the journey herself.
Hedri’s story began with a routine mammogram in August 2025. She had no symptoms and felt no lump. What followed was a biopsy, surgery and a confirmed breast cancer diagnosis. Treatment included surgery, radiation and ongoing endocrine therapy, every step guided by a multidisciplinary team.
This time, she was not the counsellor. She was the patient.
Hedri Powell’s cancer journey was shared by a team of family, friends, colleagues and fellow cancer warriors. She says they embraced her rituals, jumped on board with her ideas, posed for daily photos, met her coping strategies with genuine enthusiasm and celebrated every treatment milestone.
Despite understanding the psychology of coping, nothing could fully prepare her for the emotional weight of waiting for results or the quiet uncertainty that settles in the body. Fear appeared; sometimes suddenly, sometimes softly. She learned that resilience is not about eliminating fear, but about meeting it with self-compassion.
Knowing the cancer journey professionally is one thing. Living it is another. It taught me that healing is not just about treatment – it’s about being seen, supported, and held in the moments that feel most uncertain.” – Hedri Powell
Living the Journey She Once Guided Others Through
Her lived experience has deepened her empathy in ways she never anticipated. She now understands, not just intellectually but personally, what it feels like to sit in waiting rooms, to search faces for reassurance, and to carry hope and fear in the same breath.
What stood out most during her treatment was the extraordinary oncology team around her. Radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, oncologists, radiotherapists, medical physicists, nurses and support staff. Some were visible every day, others working quietly behind the scenes. Together, they created safety and continuity during a deeply vulnerable time.
Cancer changes lives – but so does early detection, teamwork, conscious choice, support and hope. Hedri Powell documented her cancer journey with her radiation team and share a music playlist which motivated and calmed her. The radiation team played it during every session – turning the treatment room into a familiar, grounding and safe place.
About ABJ Oncology
Hedri is part of ABJ Oncology, a respected oncology practice and valued member and strategic partner of Icon Oncology. Together, ABJ Oncology and Icon Oncology are committed to delivering multidisciplinary, patient-centered cancer care grounded in clinical excellence, collaboration and compassion.
This partnership reflects a shared belief: that access to high-quality, advanced cancer care must always be accompanied by empathy and human connection; ensuring patients feel supported at every stage of their journey.
My picture of oncology is now fully colored in – not only by knowledge and skills, but by lived experience. It has deepened my respect for teamwork, strengthened my belief in screening and education even more than before, and reminded me that healing happens in relationship, choice and meaning.
Today, Hedri carries a perspective few oncology professionals do – shaped by both expertise and lived experience. Her journey has strengthened her belief in screening and early detection and reinforced what she has always taught her patients: healing happens through science, teamwork, meaning and support.
Because while every cancer journey is unique, we are united by the courage, compassion and humanity that carry us through.
