CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — Sometimes you just need to take a moment for yourself to find peace in your journey and reflect on how far you've come.
"I was 33 when I was diagnosed with my pediatric cancer," said Andrea Zuber.
That was more than five years ago when Andrea was working as a nurse, balancing motherhood and supporting her husband's budding music career.
"I had a scan, an MRI scan, and it was a scan that I had been fighting for over a year and a half," Andrea said. "They sat us in two chairs and in about 20 seconds, the radiologist had said, 'You're sick, you have cancer.' I already knew. I knew I was sick."
Andrea had Ewing sarcoma, a very rare cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries for years.
"I had my entire shoulder blade removed," Andrea said.
But she never gave up — she did it for her family.
"I will suffer all day to be here with them and I'm not suffering and I haven't suffered because I would do anything for just one more day, one more hug, one more anything. So they're my driving force," Andrea said through tears.
Her fight paid off.
"Typically, once Ewing sarcoma has spread, it spreads like wildfire. And I was very fortunate in that I had very slow, small spread," Andrea said. "Once it has spread, it doesn't stop, and mine stopped."
She knows the power in sharing her story and how it will help others feel less alone.
"I think that one of the tricks to moving through cancer is coming to the realization that it is the light and the dark. You will not have one without the other. And embracing that will only carry you further," Andrea said.
In the space between the light and the dark, Reprieve Spa owner Erica Medina found her purpose.
"So 29 months ago, my best friend, Aliye Bricker, passed away from lung cancer. She was diagnosed the week she had her second baby. She was 34 years old," Erica said. "Never smoked a day in her life."
They two were brought together by a unique connection.
"We met on a soccer field. She pointed out that we have the same mommy necklace," Erica said.
Now, the shared charm serves as a bittersweet reminder of their bond.
"Haven't worn (this necklace) since she passed because it just feels wrong, but I wanted to have (the necklace) here. It feels like she's here with us," Erica said through tears.
Aliye is here, every time a brave one touched by cancer bares the scars of their fight in this spa.
"I personally see those as badges of honor, bravery. I see 'em as love for her children, for her husband, for her friends," Erica said. "I want to provide a space for people to come and feel safe and taken care of, and know that people care."
At Reprieve, they do care. Because, with each treatment, they are honoring Aliye's fight by providing free spa services to warriors like Andrea, and reminding us all just how healing a reprieve can be.
"Cancer as a young person can be extremely isolating in a lot of different ways, both in the healthcare system and also in life. And anytime people pay attention and they want to do something nice means the world," Andrea said.
Have a story idea for Heartstrings? Email to: Heartstrings@wkyc.com.
If you or someone you care about could benefit from a free service at Reprieve, click HERE for more information.