🌸 Cancer Survivor Sky Ann VanDyke Shares Journey of Faith, Advocacy, and Hope

A Southwest Virginia cancer survivor’s story of resilience and community support is now inspiring others across the region through her work with Relay for Life. Sky Ann VanDyke’s candid account of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and purpose offers practical wisdom for anyone facing a health crisis-and a reminder of how deeply family, faith, and advocacy matter when life changes overnight.

📖 A Journey That Changed Everything

When VanDyke heard the words “you have cancer,” she entered a world she never expected to navigate. Her treatment journey brought chemotherapy side effects that touched every part of her life-eating difficulties, extreme fatigue, stomach problems, mouth sores, and hair loss. Yet through countless trips to the cancer center for fluids, medications, and blood work, she discovered something equally powerful: the strength of people who showed up for her. 💪

Her husband Jackie rearranged his work schedule to be home with her. Her parents, family, friends, church family, and coworkers stepped in with meals, rides to appointments, prayers, and laughter when she needed it most. Even her workplace allowed coworkers to donate time off to her-a gesture that underscored how cancer affects not just the patient, but an entire community of people who care.

🗣️ Learning to Be Your Own Advocate

One of VanDyke’s most important lessons came through her own voice. When she felt uncomfortable with the direction of her treatment, she didn’t stay silent. She searched for another surgeon and eventually found her way to Duke, where she met Dr. Hwang-a turning point she credits to faith. “She explained my options, listened to me and made me feel like I was part of the decision-making process,” VanDyke reflected. Her surgery was successful, with multiple lymph nodes tested and no cancer found. ✨

But recovery brought an unexpected emotional challenge. Looking at her body after surgery, she didn’t recognize herself. She learned that healing isn’t only physical-there’s a profound emotional journey that follows, one that doesn’t end when treatment does.

💝 Purpose Found in Helping Others

One moment during her cancer center treatment crystallized VanDyke’s sense of purpose. Another patient overheard her talking about her double mastectomy and asked her questions-her presence had caused that woman to reconsider her own treatment decisions. “I felt that God had put me there that day for a reason,” VanDyke said. That encounter stayed with her.

Today, VanDyke serves as Chairperson for the Clinch River Valley Relay for Life, where she transforms her experience into action. She’s actively seeking volunteers, supporters, and donations to continue the fight against cancer. Her message is clear: every person who gives time, resources, or encouragement helps others facing the same frightening road she walked. 🎗️

💡 Advice for Anyone Facing Cancer

VanDyke offers four pillars of wisdom drawn from her own journey:

• Be your own advocate. Ask questions. Get a second opinion if you aren’t comfortable. Take someone with you who will listen and speak up when you’re too overwhelmed.
• Surround yourself with people who lift you up. Let people help you. You don’t have to be strong every minute of every day.
• Keep a positive outlook and find reasons to laugh. There will be hard days, and it’s okay to cry, but don’t let cancer take away every bit of joy in your life.
• Keep the faith. Faith carried her through the darkest moments, even when she didn’t understand what was happening.

🌱 Life After “Cancer-Free”

VanDyke emphasizes an often-overlooked truth: life doesn’t necessarily go back to “normal” just because you’re told you’re cancer-free. Your body may look different. Your mind may work differently. Your priorities may change. You may see relationships and life itself through a different lens. Healing continues long after treatments end. ❤️

“Cancer changed me, but I don’t want my story to end with cancer,” she said. Instead, she’s chosen to use her experience to help others-a choice that transforms personal hardship into community strength and hope.