Erika Crespo In this ACLP Survivor Spotlight, we delve into the remarkable journey of Brandi Benson, a young soldier who faced an unexpected and formidable foe—Ewing Sarcoma. At just 24 years old, while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq, Brandi’s life took a dramatic turn. Her story is one of immense courage, resilience, and transformation. From the frontlines of a warzone to the sterile halls of a hospital, Brandi’s battle against cancer has inspired many. Join us as we explore her journey of overcoming adversity, redefining her life, and becoming a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
Tell us your story with Ewing Sarcoma. How old were you when you were diagnosed, and did you suspect anything beforehand?
I can still recall that day with startling clarity. At 24, six months into my enlistment with the U.S. Army, I found myself deployed in the desolate sands of Iraq. It was December, the holidays were approaching, and for the first time, I was thousands of miles away from my family and friends, feeling the icy grip of loneliness in a warzone. The fatigue I felt seemed insurmountable, but I attributed it to the harsh environment, the emotional drain of constant vigilance, and the heartache of being away from home during Christmas.
One day, after an intense workout session, I discovered a lump in my leg. In my naivety, the possibility of cancer never entered my mind. I was oblivious to the fact that cancer could strike anywhere in the body. I believed cancer was an affliction for the unhealthy or the elderly, not someone in peak physical condition like me. The idea that this lump could be a deadly foe was inconceivable.
But life has a way of blindsiding you. Just weeks later, I was pulled from the Iraqi frontline to face a new, insidious enemy—one that no amount of military training could prepare me for. This enemy was a silent invader within me, invisible even to the most skilled sniper. I traded my M16 for a gunmetal gray chemotherapy pole, my camouflage fatigues for a hospital gown. Each morning, the sight of clumps of hair on my pillowcase was a stark reminder of the relentless battle raging inside my body.
This new war was brutal and unforgiving. The hospital became my battlefield, the doctors and nurses my comrades-in-arms. Every treatment was a skirmish, every day a fight for survival. Yet, in this sterile, fluorescent-lit arena, I found a different kind of strength, a resilience forged in the crucible of my spirit.
As I lay in my hospital bed, hooked up to IV drips and surrounded by the beeping of monitors, I realized that this battle was not just about survival. It was about defiance, about proving that no enemy, no matter how hidden or formidable, could break my will.
Before your diagnosis, how was your life? What were you involved in?
In the early 2000s, my world was upended. My parents divorced, and my stepfather left my mother with two high school kids, three dogs, and a heap of unpaid bills. Almost overnight, we were drowning in financial struggles. The military, with its promise of stability, benefits, and a structured life, became a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
But before life took this unexpected detour, I was an athlete. Soccer and basketball weren’t just hobbies—they were my lifeline, my future. I truly believed that my athletic talent would carry me far, maybe even to the professional leagues. Since I was a six-year-old girl, I had dreamed of this, and dedicated sixteen years of sweat, determination, and heart to reach that goal.
Then, out of nowhere, came the diagnosis. Cancer in my leg. It felt like a cruel joke. I had to undergo surgery to remove my entire adductor muscle. In an instant, my dreams evaporated. The future I had envisioned, the one I had fought so hard for, was torn from my grasp. It was as if the rug had been pulled out from under me, leaving me in freefall. I had never considered a backup plan because, to me, there was no need for one. My path had always been clear—until it wasn’t.
The pain of losing my dream was immense, a deep, throbbing ache that went beyond the physical. It was as if the foundation of my identity had been shattered, and I was left standing in the ruins, trying to piece together a new sense of self. Each day was a struggle, but it was also a testament to my resilience. I learned to find strength in the struggle, to redefine my dreams, and to forge a new path from the ashes of my old one.
The hospital became my new arena. Instead of chasing goals on the field, I was now fighting for my life, battling an unseen enemy with every ounce of strength I had. The sterile scent of disinfectant replaced the familiar smell of fresh-cut grass, and the rhythmic beeping of monitors became the soundtrack of my days. My teammates were now doctors and nurses, my equipment a chemotherapy pole instead of a soccer ball. Each day was a new challenge, a new game to win.
What have you learned about yourself because of your experience with cancer?
This question always makes me pause and reflect. Over the years, my answer has evolved as my journey of survivorship has deepened. Early on, the answer seemed straightforward—resilience. I learned to lean into the tough times, to understand and navigate the storm of emotions, and to dig deep into my resilience toolkit. But now, nearly 15 years later, the question delves into the core of what it means to survive and thrive after such a life-altering experience.
Cancer taught me that we need time to mourn the person we once were. When we first enter the cancer ward, we are unknowingly fighting to preserve our old lives. We think we are battling just to stay alive, but in truth, we are grappling with the loss of our former selves. This is why acceptance is so difficult; we cling to the past, to the life we knew, unable to let go.
The reality is, we cannot move forward as survivors without acknowledging that the old version of ourselves is gone. The people who emerge from this ordeal have faced a deadly disease, and endured grueling treatments that left us bald, sick, weak, and pale. At some point, we must bid farewell to our past selves and embrace the opportunity to reinvent our lives.
What I have learned about myself is that the hardest part of this journey was saying goodbye to the old me. It required immense strength to welcome and understand the new me—my new strengths, values, and limitations. This process of self-discovery was not just about surviving but about finding ways to make a positive impact on the cancer community.
Cancer gave me a second chance at life, a rare opportunity to live more authentically and purposefully. It reshaped my perspective, transforming my outlook from one of mere survival to one of thriving and contributing to a more positive narrative around cancer survivorship.
How has your approach to nutrition and diet changed since your diagnosis?
Before cancer, my diet was a medley of indulgences—soda, energy drinks, chips, fast food, candy, and sugary treats were my staples. I rarely thought about the nutritional value of what I consumed; it was all about the pleasure of taste. I was also an athlete, so anything I ate was burned off. However, during my cancer treatments, my approach to eating began to shift, albeit gradually. If my body craved a steak, I indulged, pairing it with a heap of broccoli and a milkshake. On other days, I abstained from meat and dairy, focusing instead on fruits and vegetables. I embraced juicing, flooding my system with celery, beet, and carrot juices.
Once I achieved NED (No Evidence of Disease), I overhauled my diet dramatically. I eliminated all meats and dairy, replacing them with whole foods, water, and natural juices. This transformation wasn’t just a whimsical change; it was backed by research-based data that fit my lifestyle and ensured optimal health. Since 2010, I have adhered to this regimen and never looked back.
Today, I eat with purpose. My diet is designed to fortify my body, to keep me healthy and resilient. This is a stark contrast to my pre-cancer days when I ate solely for the joy of taste, indifferent to how it affected my health and quality of life. Now, every meal is a step toward a stronger, healthier me, grounded in the knowledge that what I consume has a profound impact on my well-being.
Can you share any specific exercise routines or physical activities that have become important to you since your diagnosis?
Absolutely. Since my diagnosis, I’ve come to understand the vital importance of keeping my body in motion. Movement is not just beneficial—it’s essential. I firmly believe that exercise can be as powerful as medicine, if not more so. When we exercise, our bodies release a cascade of chemicals that elevate our mood, boost our energy, and enhance our overall well-being.
For me, a daily goal has become a cornerstone of my routine: moving 4 miles each day. This can take various forms—whether it’s walking through my neighborhood, running on a scenic trail, or working up a sweat on the stairmaster at the gym. The specific activity might change, but the goal remains the same: to keep my body moving for those 4 miles every day.
In addition to regular exercise, I’ve integrated another wellness practice into my routine: spending time in a hot sauna. About four times a week, I sit in a sauna for 30 minutes. This practice, inspired by the popular Finnish custom, has shown remarkable health benefits. Regular sauna use improves cardiovascular health, aids in muscle recovery, promotes detoxification, and boosts mental clarity.
These activities are more than just routines—they are integral to my health and well-being. They help me stay strong, both physically and mentally. By combining consistent exercise with the rejuvenating benefits of sauna sessions, I am nurturing my body and mind, enhancing my resilience, and proactively preventing illness.
This holistic approach to wellness is supported by research and has proven benefits. Whether it’s the endorphins from exercise or the improved circulation from the sauna, these practices contribute to a balanced and vibrant life. Embracing movement and these wellness rituals has become my commitment to living my best life, despite the challenges I’ve faced.
How do you manage stress and maintain mental wellness as part of your anticancer lifestyle?
Managing stress and maintaining mental wellness are crucial to my anticancer lifestyle. I’ve learned that a holistic approach is essential, combining physical activity, mindfulness, creative outlets, and meaningful connections.
Exercise plays a pivotal role in boosting my mood and releasing endorphins.
Mindfulness practices, like meditation and deep-breathing exercises, help center my thoughts and bring calm. Spending a few minutes each day in quiet reflection allows me to reset and maintain a balanced perspective.
Creative activities like painting and reading are integral to my stress management. Painting offers a therapeutic release, while reading provides a mental escape. Playing with my dogs brings joy and light-heartedness, offering comfort and unconditional love.
Nutrition plays a significant role in my mental wellness. I focus on a diet rich in whole foods, water, and natural juices, avoiding processed foods and sugars to support brain health and mood stability.
Lastly, maintaining strong social connections is vital. Surrounding myself with supportive friends and family creates a network of emotional support. Sharing my journey and connecting with others fosters a sense of community and reduces isolation.
By integrating these practices into my daily routine, I manage stress effectively and maintain mental wellness, enhancing my overall quality of life and allowing me to thrive despite challenges.
How do you stay motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite the challenges you’ve faced?
Staying motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle has become easier as my new habits have solidified. What once felt challenging is now second nature.
Awareness of potential downfalls and proactive solutions are key. For example, knowing I get hungry after the gym, I keep healthy snacks or fruit in my car to avoid the temptation of fast food.
Setting clear, achievable goals keeps me on track. Whether it’s moving 4 miles a day or committing to regular sauna sessions, having specific targets gives me a sense of purpose.
The positive feedback loop from my healthy choices also motivates me. Regular exercise, mindful eating, and stress management improve both my physical and mental well-being, reinforcing my commitment.
My journey through cancer has taught me the importance of long-term health. In challenging situations, I ask myself, “What would the best version of me do?” and then I do it.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed about the role of lifestyle in their journey?
My advice to someone newly diagnosed is to recognize the powerful role lifestyle changes can play in your journey. Embracing a healthy lifestyle can significantly enhance your physical and mental well-being. However, it’s important to remember that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, and that’s okay.
Don’t get frustrated if progress seems slow. In fact, moments of frustration can be viewed as \opportunities for reflection and growth. These are the times when you can learn the most about yourself and your capabilities. Adopting a healthier lifestyle involves patience and perseverance, but every small step forward is a victory.
Focus on making incremental changes. Start by integrating more whole foods into your diet, finding an exercise routine that you enjoy, and incorporating mindfulness practices into your day. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
Additionally, stay aware of potential pitfalls and plan for them. Earlier I gave the example of making sure I have healthy snacks available after exercising. This type of proactive approach can make a big difference.
With time, these lifestyle changes will become habits, and you’ll feel the profound benefits they bring to your overall well-being.
Tell us about the Sarcoma Alliance, where you serve as a board member. How can the Alliance help other sarcoma survivors, or those currently undergoing treatment for the disease?
The Sarcoma Alliance is a beacon of hope and support for those affected by this rare and challenging cancer. As a board member, I am deeply committed to its mission of providing guidance, education, and support to sarcoma patients, survivors, and their families.
The Alliance offers a variety of resources to help individuals navigate their sarcoma journey. For those currently undergoing treatment, we provide access to comprehensive information about sarcoma, treatment options, and clinical trials. This empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care. Our Peer Support Network connects patients with survivors who have faced similar challenges, offering empathy, advice, and a sense of community during a difficult time.
For survivors, the Sarcoma Alliance continues to be a vital resource. We understand that the journey doesn’t end with treatment; there are ongoing physical and emotional challenges. The Alliance offers survivorship programs that focus on long-term health, wellness, and quality of life. Our educational webinars and workshops provide valuable information on managing life post-treatment, including tips on nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
One of our key initiatives is the Assistance Fund, which helps cover the costs associated with seeking second opinions from sarcoma specialists. This financial support can be crucial for patients needing expert guidance on their treatment plans.
Empathy and leadership are at the heart of our efforts. We strive to create a supportive environment where patients and survivors feel understood, valued, and empowered. By fostering a community of shared experiences and knowledge, the Sarcoma Alliance ensures that no one has to face this journey alone.
Through our collective efforts, we aim to inspire hope, resilience, and strength in every individual touched by sarcoma. The Alliance is here to provide not just resources and support, but also a compassionate hand to hold throughout the sarcoma journey.
What song lyric, poem, or quote do you turn to when you need inspiration?
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
This quote motivates me to keep going, regardless of setbacks.
