pasta tomatoes and flour with egg shells on table
BREAST CANCER,  MALE BC,  MEN GET BC

Reinventing Yourself After Cancer: What is Your Passion?

 

 By: Steve Del Gardo

It has been 5 ½ years since I have been diagnosed with breast cancer and since then I have been advocating for my cancer foundation, Protect The Pecs, in an effort to raise awareness about male breast cancer. It hasn’t been easy but yet I have found it has been rewarding in knowing that the message is finally getting received globally through speeches to writing articles for various blogs…..however, I want to do more with my life.

It has been established that Steve Del Gardo is a breast cancer survivor, but I don’t want that to define my existence. I am more than that. I am not saying it is a bad thing. It is a badge of honor; however, I am ready to see what else awaits my future.

In the past, I have mentioned to many people that I wanted to start my own Italian café. It has been my dream since I was 18 (32 years). Now, it is finally happening. The café will be a Cannoli Catering business (www.delgardos.com).Over the past year, I have created 35 unique artisan cannoli. This is my Passion. This is my love.

Sometimes we go through life never knowing what we can accomplish, often because we let fear control us. We let fear, which is only in our present, in our future. Fear is never in our past. It is what we make up in our mind. We must change that thinking.

I had to change. I had to finally say to myself that I should not be listening to the naysayers. I control my destiny; no one else does. Every morning, I listen to motivational speeches and I pray. Every day is a brand-new adventure. I smile more now. I am happier and healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. I know I will be

OK. I already achieved my dream in starting a great foundation. That was my dream after I beat cancer – to help those who are still fighting, raising awareness and educating about male breast cancer. I did it! Now it is time to do what I love. I am following my heart. It isn’t about finding the love of my life. It is about doing what I love. Cancer has taught me to live my life with passion and never to take life for granted.

Life is TOO SHORT! God kicked me in the ass, but I love the lesson! I got it! I used pain to help people. I didn’t give up, I got UP! I believe that He wants me to do more with my life. I am always striving to do more. Always looking for my next Mountain. Even though I am starting my new business venture, I will continue to raise awareness of breast cancer in men and women! It isn’t about one gender anymore, it is about all of us.

My advice to each of you is to get out of your comfort zone and go chase your dreams. Don’t let your cancer be your chain anymore. Break free. What drives you? What is your passion? What are you going to do with the time you have left on this Earth? Are you going to be angry every day, and point fingers at those who made you angry? Listen to yourself.

Some of you are in pain. I understand that, but don’t let life wear you down. Each of you has a fighting spirit. I know that. Don’t quit and don’t settle.

Never give up. Take a chance and achieve your dream. Live your life to its fullest and make it spectacular.


 BIO: My name is Steve Del Gardo. Father/Son/Survivor/Warrior of Life. Read my storyat: www.protectthepecs.org.

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