Strength and Advocacy: Connie’s Journey as a Breast Cancer Survivor
At the “Strength, Survival, and Support” panel hosted by Teleperformance Greece in honor of Pink October, Connie’s story touched the hearts of all who attended. As a breast cancer survivor, a committed Teleperformance employee, and a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, she bravely opened up about her personal experience.
Her story underscored the critical importance of early detection, the resilience needed to fight, and the vital role that community support plays during such a difficult experience. Through Connie’s heartfelt testimony, Teleperformance reaffirmed its ongoing dedication to raising awareness about breast cancer, encouraging everyone to prioritize early screenings, offer support, and stay informed.
From Career Success to a Life-Changing Diagnosis
While still living in Netherlands, Connie was thriving in her career when her world suddenly shifted during a celebratory trip to Barcelona. In a quiet moment with her partner, a troubling realization hit: she has breast cancer. Her suspicion was confirmed when she returned to the Netherlands, wasting no time in seeking medical advice.
On April 1st, she received the diagnosis, which felt like a cruel joke. While sad, she had already started mentally preparing for the fight ahead. The cancer was hormone-sensitive, requiring a series of intense treatments, including breast amputation surgery, chemotherapy, and 5 years of hormone therapy. Despite the challenges, Connie stayed grounded and determined, ready to face each step with bravery, one step at the time.
Courage in Every Step of Treatment
At the panel, Connie didn’t sugarcoat her experience. “It’s not a journey, it’s not a trip—it’s horrible,” she confessed. Each phase of her treatment, from surgery to chemotherapy to hormone therapy, brought its own set of challenges. Yet, Connie approached each one with courage, tackling them step by step. Before diving fully into treatment, she even managed to take a short, much-needed break in Greece, recharging her spirit before the difficult road ahead.
Coping with Breast Cancer Side Effects
One of the toughest parts of Connie’s battle was managing its side effects. As a self-described “control freak,” Connie did everything she could to manage what was in her power—sticking to a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, and using humor to cope. Humor became a lifeline, helping her stay connected to her sense of self and giving her strength to endure the difficult days.
Finding Strength in Community Support
For Connie, community support was essential. Her family, especially a cousin and her siblings, became pillars of her strength. During the panel, she encouraged others to be proactive in their support, not just saying “call me if you need something,” but offering to take real action—whether that’s cooking a meal or helping with errands and to choose words of comfort carefully, rather saying “ I don’t know what to say” than “It will be all right”. It’s the small, tangible acts of kindness that make a difference.
Teleperformance Greece’s Commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness
The “Strength, Survival, and Support” panel wasn’t just another event—it was a powerful reflection of Teleperformance’s dedication to raising awareness and providing support for breast cancer. Connie’s story is a reminder of the courage it takes to face such a diagnosis, but also the importance of community in navigating the battle.
At Teleperformance, we continue to stand at the forefront of this fight, advocating for the health and well-being of our employees, their families, and the broader community. Through initiatives like Pink October, we remain deeply committed to fostering a culture of care, encouraging early detection, and supporting those affected by breast cancer.
