Survivor Christine Anastos knew it was time to prioritize her own healing

 

A breast cancer survivor, Christine Anastos’ mission now is to help other women with her “groundbreaking, heart-centered social impact company, Connect & Thrive, Public Benefit Corporation (CAT), dedicated to uplifting cancer previvors, patients, thrivers, and caregivers.”

An upbeat, generous, dedicated and positive vibes-only survivor, Christine, 55, who lives in Arlington, MA, was diagnosed in 2016 with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) that had spread into her breast tissue. She was 46. 

“I had no family history or genetic predisposition for breast cancer. I learned that my cancer was due to “environmental factors,” which infuriated me since I had worked as an environmental engineer for 25 years at that time.”

When she was diagnosed, incredibly, her “first reaction was not shock, but relief.”

“I had been advocating for myself for six months because I did not feel well, but my concerns were repeatedly dismissed. My primary care physician suggested that I see a psychiatrist. However, just because she could not figure out what was wrong did not mean that it was all in my head. I knew my body well, and I knew that something was not right - I just did not know what it was. When I finally received my diagnosis during a routine mammogram on January 6th, the Day of Epiphany (which it truly was), I felt validated and vindicated. I finally had something tangible to address and was eager to begin treatment and make meaningful changes incorporating my mind, body, and spirit. I have a strong faith in God and trusted that there was a greater reason for my diagnosis and that my work was to figure out precisely what that was.”

Friends and family were “extraordinarily supportive.”

“They taught me not to turn away help simply because I did not need anything,” she said. “More importantly, they helped me understand that asking for and accepting help are signs of strength, not weakness.”

Christine was initially diagnosed at a local hospital, but made the decision to seek a second opinion at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. As she explained in a phone interview, after her diagnosis, she was told she’d need dozens of radiation treatments. However, when she went to Dana-Farber, her oncology team explained that, based on the research, "I could do half as many sessions yielding the same results.” When she questioned this (wanting to ensure that she was comparing apples to apples), her radiation oncologist explained the cutting-edge research that had just been presented at an international conference.

“Dana-Farber is on the front line of research, and my treatment protocol changed because of this. The decision to be treated at Dana-Faber was an easy one. It was also proof that the money raised for research is making a difference - and, I was fortunate to have experienced it firsthand. Because of this, I am a proud member of the Dana-Farber Society.”

Her treatment included a lumpectomy, followed by radiation, and hormone therapy. 

By her side through her treatment was her beloved dog, Windy, a Black Labrador Retriever who was a source of constant love and comfort. “She was with me when I was diagnosed - through the good days and the bad days - and thereafter.” Now Aurora, also a Black Lab, fills this role.

“My cancer tribe is made up of the people who showed up, held space, and never let me forget my worth. I cherish deep and meaningful connections over the superficial, and I am profoundly grateful to have surrounded myself with people who lead with love and walk beside me with intention.” 

With an “exceptional team” treating her, and the confidence she had in a care plan that incorporated cutting-edge research, it became a “pivotal moment in my life.”

I knew it was time to prioritize my own healing.

Christine also took full advantage of the evidence-based healing modalities at Dana-Farber's Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, “which played an essential role in my physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. All essential to my overall well-being.” And it would be “instrumental in my decision to create CAT to ensure that individuals across the country could engage in evidence-based healing modalities and purchase healthy living products not typically covered by insurance.”

An environmental engineer, Christine spent 34 years working on high-profile environmental compliance and public health matters. She said her “professional path has always reflected a deep drive to protect others”; and so fighting, surviving, and thriving after breast cancer, which is in remission, motivated her to found CAT.

“What I am most proud of is that this journey led to the creation of CAT.”

Its mission is to empower those to embark on their healing journeys with “confidence and hope.”

“CAT taps into the generosity of friends and family through its unique crowdfunding campaigns, affectionately known as KittyFundsTM. These funds allow patients to access a carefully curated Marketplace, where trusted partners offer evidence-based healing modalities and healthy living products not typically covered by insurance. At its core, CAT's mission is simple yet powerful: to help women connect with a supportive community so they can truly thrive.”

Christine has a mantra: Living in the moment could be the meaning of life. 

“This is something that I had never really practiced with intention - so, when I received my diagnosis, I made a conscious decision to try to move to this place,” she said. “Admittedly, my journey is still ongoing. This mantra is reflected in Dana-Farber’s dynamic Zebrafish Display, which contains personal inscriptions and on-screen messages honoring patients, caregivers, and loved ones. I was fortunate that a friend of mine donated one in my honor, and I visit it nearly every time that I go to Dana-Farber as a reminder of my commitment to myself.”

And true to her early decision to go with new research and leading-edge treatment, she is committed to helping fund research. So much so, she became a TBBCF Sapphire Sponsor. Many of the researchers funded by TBBCF are associated with Dana-Farber. (Read about one here.)

“To me, Walk for a Cure means empowering TBBCF to continue to fund the research that it does,” Christine said. “Without this critical research, there will be no progress.” And ultimately, for Christine, she “no longer takes anything for granted.”

“I am more intentional about how I spend my time and energy. I try to live with purpose. I have also come to understand that healing is not a destination,” she said. “It is a journey that requires effort, fortitude, and grace.”

And she shared wisdom on confronting cancer.

“Patients facing cancer are often staring down their mortality while carrying the weight of treatment side effects that leave them exhausted, anxious, and unwell. In these moments, the last thing they should have to do is navigate alone how to access the care that could ease their suffering, strengthen their recovery, and reduce their risk of recurrence. Evidence-based healing modalities and healthy living products have a clear role here, yet many simply do not know what they do not know,” she said. “This is where friends and family can make all the difference - by stepping forward to help bridge the gap, ensuring their loved ones have both the resources and the support to heal more fully.”