Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie O’Neal.
Hi Angie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. In 2006 while I was in the midst of being a wife, a professional, a part-time business owner and mother of three girls, I found a lump in my breast. It was while I was up late at night working on a handmade jewelry project when a bead fell down my shirt. I quickly learned the lump was in fact stage 2 breast cancer. After two years of aggressive treatment, including chemo, surgery and radiation, I was cancer-free. I survived! This felt like a new beginning which made me want to do more than just manage my life. This gave me the strength to want to live for more than just the day to day. I immediately immersed myself into a very active life, which included running, exercising and even aerial dance. I was no longer letting fear and anxiety stop me from taking on new challenges and do those things I always wanted to do or felt like I was supposed to be doing. These things made me feel strong and brought me a lot of the happiness I didn’t realize I was living without. I gained the confidence to take on new challenges and new ventures. I felt like this active lifestyle was keeping me healthy, mentally and physically. I was running races, participating in challenges and performing aerial routines; my girls saw me as an inspiration.
Ten years later, I found another lump in the same breast, only to learn it was cancer again. Just like before, my treatment would be extensive and included more radical surgery, but the prognosis was good. This time I was more concerned about the lifestyle changes I would have to make during treatment. I loved my life and I didn’t want to have to quit, so I didn’t. With permission from my doctors, I was told I could continue my activities as long as I felt like I could. They had no idea that included running several miles at a time, doing strength training and making dance videos with my kids, among other things! I decided to keep living my days regardless of whether they included getting chemo treatments or going to doctor visits. I feel like it all contributed to my survival. Now six years later, fortunately I’m still living cancer-free. I’ve run several marathons, participated in a couple of small triathlons and countless other races and fitness events. I love taking part in health and wellness activities. I have been an ambassador for a fitness company (Laceup Fitness), running groups (Runningnerds, RunSocial) and other community activities (The Race). I have most recently teamed up with my oldest daughter with her budding fitness company, One Fit Movement, where we share rhythmic fitness routines, workouts and other health and wellness advice promoting a healthy lifestyle and enhancing mind, body and spirit. (Your favorite Mother and Fitness Daughter Duo). I will continue to participate in fitness activities and promote healthy living for as long as I’m capable.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge for me was maintaining normalcy along with my active lifestyle for myself and my family during cancer treatment. Accepting all the changes, physically and mentally that occur with chemotherapy treatment and surgery. Living in my new normal!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Professionally, I work for Morehouse School of Medicine in the Office of Institutional Advancement. I direct the department for data management and fundraising operations. I am also a handmade jewelry artist and operate a small business, Angie O’Neal Designs.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I’m an endurance athlete; runner, cyclist, amateur dancer and fitness enthusiast and I love to promote health and wellness. I keep a positive outlook on life despite my misfortunes and health challenges. I am creative and love expressing myself through my jewelry and dance. Mother of three amazing young women.
Contact Info:
- Email: angieone68@gmail.com
- Website: https://angieonealdesigns.ecwid.com/
- Instagram: @angieruns16 and @onefitmovement
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angieone/
Image Credits:
Phoxtography
