Living with Breast Cancer: Ireal Traisarnsri's 14-Year Journey
In this #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, the inspiring journey of Ireal (Oil) Traisarnsri, founder of ART for CANCER, reminds us of the profound strength, purpose, and hope that can arise in the face of life's greatest trials. Under the theme “Voices for HER” her story highlights how compassion and resilience can create a lasting impact for others.
More than 14 years ago, Ireal was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 27, just a week before she was set to leave Bangkok, Thailand, for her Master’s degree studies in England. The diagnosis brought her life to a standstill. "It felt like my future had been taken from me in an instant," she recalls. For someone who had always been healthy and full of plans for the future, the diagnosis was devastating.
After the initial shock, Ireal resolved to live life with purpose, focusing on making the most of her time while undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. Her determination to stay positive was supported by the love of her family, and her newfound perspective inspired her to turn her journey into an opportunity to help others.
The Birth of ART for CANCER
During her treatment, Ireal became acutely aware of the challenges faced by those who lacked access to the resources and support she was fortunate to receive. This realization led her to establish ART for CANCER, an initiative that used art as a medium to raise funds for underprivileged cancer patients while also providing emotional and psychological support. Over the years, ART for CANCER has grown into a vital platform for awareness, advocacy, and aid, inspiring countless individuals to find strength and hope in their own battles.
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The Reality of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Today, after 14 years of confronting cancer, Ireal continues her fight, now battling metastatic breast cancer. The disease has spread to her liver, lungs, bones, and brain, presenting its most formidable challenge yet. Despite this, Ireal embraces every moment, choosing to focus on living intentionally rather than dwelling on what is beyond her control.
Her reflections on preparing for the uncertainties of life point to her resilience. "I ask myself every day, if tomorrow were my last day, how would I want to spend it? What is unfinished? What am I grateful for?" This perspective is not about fearing death, she explains, but about fully embracing life and living each day with clarity and purpose.
Making Every Day Count
For Ireal, happiness comes from simple joys: sharing moments with her family, savoring good food, or playing with her beloved dog. Yet her greatest fulfillment lies in helping others. “There’s nothing more meaningful than knowing my experiences have given someone else hope," she says. Helping others find clarity during their most challenging times fuels her strength, and moments like these remind her why her journey matters so deeply.
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Advocating for Early Action
Drawing from her personal experience, Ireal passionately encourages women to prioritize breast cancer screenings. “Many people fear the results, but early detection is often the difference between recovery and regret. Advancements in treatment today give patients hope, and taking this step is about claiming responsibility for your life and health.”
Her message is simple yet urgent: screening is not something to avoid out of fear - it’s an opportunity to safeguard your future, confront potential challenges early, and find peace of mind.
A Legacy of Compassion
Despite the progression of her own illness, Ireal’s vision for ART for CANCER remains steadfast. She is committed to ensuring that the platform continues to provide financial, emotional, and psychological support for patients and their families, creating a sustainable impact that outlasts her own journey.
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Her story is one of incredible strength and unwavering purpose. In this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ireal reminds us that while life may bring us challenges that seem insurmountable, it is our response, our courage, and our commitment to making a difference that defines us.
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Through her advocacy and leadership, Ireal’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope for cancer patients everywhere - a reminder that even in the darkest of times, compassion and resilience can create light for so many others.
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