A New Chapter: Finding Joy and Identity

My name is Dolores Seabolt, a.k.a. “Dee.” I’ve introduced myself as Dee for a few years now since my Spanish name, to those that don’t know, means “pains.” I am proud of my name but have started a new chapter of my life with a sense of a new ME full of JOY and HAPPINESS!

I’m 59 and married to the most wonderful husband, Jody, for 35 years. We have an awesome daughter, Jocelyn, and incredible son-in-law, Jose. Both are completing their 14th year of service in the U.S. Air Force. We just became grandparents to a handsome baby boy, Josiah, in June, 2025.

Our fur baby is Lady. She’s a Cavapoo that just turned one, and she’ll let you know it with her energy. My hobbies are dancing and art!

Breast Cancer: A Challenge with a Silver Lining

Breast Cancer presented me with a challenge that had a silver lining. It made me stronger in my faith and gave me permission for “ME.” You see, during my lifetime, I was 100% of all: WIFE, MOM, CAREGIVER, and I lost myself. But in 2021, with this diagnosis, I found myself. What an irony.

The biggest challenge, though, for me was “What do I do now after treatment?” As a Stage One Breast Cancer diagnosis, it brought me loneliness once treatment was done. I was by myself, navigating my feelings and my body changes associated with the radiation treatments. I had no guidance afterward. No calls from medical staff reminding me of what would be ahead. You see, after ringing the bell, it’s not over; it is the beginning of the longest race. I didn’t know! Was it because I only had radiation and was “just” a Stage One Breast Cancer survivor? I wasn’t that big case that needed attention afterward. I felt I wasn’t that important! You got away easily, girl. You just had 15 rounds of radiation and a lumpectomy. Yet, I needed assistance just as any other patient would have. This challenge made me aware of advocating for oneself. No one will care about you more than YOU!

Advocacy and Awareness: Sharing Our Voices

Breast Cancer Awareness month is an important advocacy month for men and women fighting this disease. The unifying of cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers alike means the world. This is the month to share our voices and let them be heard. We have come a long way, but our race will never end. Let us not forget the past fighters that are no longer with us. It is through their courage and fight that we are still looking for that cure. Praying one day we will only have Breast Cancer Awareness as a month celebrating NO Breast Cancer!

ThriveWell Cancer Foundation: A Community of Support

I praise God for ThriveWell Cancer Foundation. It was their sponsored Diva Program that helped me break my stigma that I was “just” a stage one. I felt welcome by everyone in the Diva Program, and this reassured me we are all the same and important in this journey. Since my attendance in 2023 and getting involved with the various programs, I have come a long way with my personal growth and physical endurance. There are programs to assist with transportation to and from treatments, along with motivational activities (exercises, art healing, nutrition, support groups). This program unites the Divas in activities as a whole or individually like no other that I am aware of. We are also given the opportunity to take part in other sponsored programs (Breakfast with the Doc, Survivorship Summit) and wonderful fundraising events (Healing Hearts Telethon, Pink Party, Paint the Parkway Pink, Pedaling in Pink, etc.). The Divas all have the same objectives and goals: THRIVE and Get Well! We are the new normal.