“It can be rough and discouraging at times, but remember to let your faith be stronger than your fears.” — Sabrina Davis
Some stories begin with a symptom. Sabrina Davis’ story began with a routine mammogram.
She wasn’t feeling sick. There were no warning signs, no pain, no reason to believe her life was about to change. Like so many women, she simply kept her annual screening appointment. That one decision would become the reason her cancer was discovered.
It is a reminder that early detection saves lives.
More Than a Diagnosis
Long before cancer entered her life, Sabrina had already built a life centered on faith, service, and family. Naturally quiet and reflective, she enjoys the simple things like a good book, a movie at home, healthy living, and staying active through 5K walks and fit boxing. She is an entrepreneur, the owner of a scrubs boutique, an advocate within her cancer support group, and a woman who finds her greatest joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren.
After retiring, Sabrina believed she was stepping into one of life’s sweetest seasons. She looked forward to traveling, growing her business, and building her retirement home on the island, a peaceful place where family could gather for years to come. Within a year, those plans were interrupted by a diagnosis she never expected.
A Diagnosis Met With Faith
Many people describe hearing the words “you have cancer” as the moment their world collapsed.
Sabrina’s response was different. Instead of panic, one Bible verse immediately came to mind:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Those words became her anchor.
She admits there was uncertainty. Her greatest concern wasn’t whether she would fight. It was how her body would respond to treatment. She gathered credible information, asked questions, and prepared herself one step at a time.
The reality truly settled in after her double mastectomy and the beginning of chemotherapy.
Learning a New Kind of Strength
Chemotherapy brought challenges Sabrina never fully anticipated.
The fatigue was unlike ordinary tiredness. Rest could not restore what treatment demanded from her body. Every day required adjusting her expectations, accepting that healing often meant slowing down.
She also faced something many women quietly struggle with and that is the emotional impact of seeing a different person in the mirror.
Cancer had changed her appearance.
Healing meant learning to accept herself through every stage of treatment rather than mourning who she had once been.
The Gift of Grace
One lesson surprised Sabrina more than any other.
Resilience.
She discovered that resilience isn’t pretending everything is fine. Sometimes it looks like giving yourself permission to rest, celebrating small victories and showing up for another day.
“I learned to give myself grace on the days when I simply couldn’t do much, while still staying engaged in daily life in ways that felt safe and wise.”
The Sister She Will Never Forget
Throughout her journey, Sabrina was surrounded by family and friends who faithfully checked on her.
One person holds a particularly special place in her heart.
Her sister.
Unknown to many, her sister was privately fighting cancer herself. Yet she chose to spend her strength encouraging Sabrina. She sat beside her during her first chemotherapy treatment, checked on her constantly, and continued supporting her until her own passing.
It is a love Sabrina says she will never forget.
Healing Beyond Medicine
Today, healing means much more than finishing treatment, waking up with energy after a good night’s rest, appreciating every day with family and friends, continuing to dream about the future and encouraging others who are walking a similar road so they know they are not alone.
Sabrina has also learned the importance of putting herself first not selfishly, but wisely. Regular exercise, healthy eating, self-care, and even the occasional spa day have become reminders that caring for herself is part of honoring the body that carried her through cancer.
Her Message to Every Woman
If Sabrina could speak to every woman reading this, her message would be clear.
Advocate for yourself.
Don’t ignore your health.
Don’t keep your diagnosis a secret.
Seek medical care early.
Lean on people you trust.
Annual screenings and self-examinations save lives.
She also hopes people understand something often overlooked about cancer survivors.
“They just want to be treated as normal. They do not want to be handled as an invalid. Movement and a sense of independence help with the healing process.”
Still Standing
Cancer changed Sabrina’s body.
It strengthened her faith.
It deepened her appreciation for life.
It taught her resilience.
Most importantly, it reinforced a truth she now shares with everyone she meets:
Cancer is not a death sentence.
Through early detection, unwavering faith, supportive family, and the determination to keep moving forward, Sabrina continues to live with hope—and to inspire others to do the same.
When asked to finish the sentence, “I am still standing because…” her answer needed no explanation.
“I trusted God and did not give up.”
You don’t have to face cancer alone.
The Gennie Dean Caring & Sharing Cancer Support Group provides emotional support, education, wellness programs, financial assistance, and a compassionate community for people affected by cancer.
Need support? Contact us today or apply to become a member.