Transforming a Diagnosis into a Challenge
”If I’m still alive today, it’s thanks to research. Despite being diagnosed with an incurable cancer, I’m still able to accomplish amazing things.” CAROLINE FLAMAND, AFFECTED BY A RARE CANCER
In 2019, Caroline Flamand’s life changed dramatically. Overnight, she was diagnosed with a very rare and incurable cancer, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, which affects approximately one in a million people. It is a cancer that receives little attention, and research into it remains limited.
Despite the diagnosis, Caroline has remained optimistic. “After undergoing several surgeries, including a liver transplant, the recovery was long, demanding, and exhausting, both physically and mentally. However, I’m someone who loves taking on challenges, and above all, I want to live a long life. Through it all, I never gave up.”
Pushing Herself for the Cause, Despite a Second Diagnosis
Unfortunately, Caroline received a second diagnosis in 2021, breast cancer this time. She felt as though the disease wasn’t giving her a break, until she saw an advertisement for our Challenge Against Cancer program, which organizes charity trips to fund cancer research. The ad touched her and sparked a desire to act and push her limits for the cause.
“Hiking had never been one of my passions, but the challenge immediately spoke to me, especially its impact on cancer research. Taking on the Challenge in Croatia in 2025 was incredibly difficult, deeply emotional, but also profoundly meaningful given everything I had been through with my health over the past few years.”
Driven by her perseverance, her determination to push beyond her limits, and her desire to contribute to cancer research, Caroline successfully completed the challenge. Through her fundraising efforts, she raised more than $12,000 to support cancer research.
“I can’t fully express how grateful I am to everyone who supported and encouraged me. Thanks to of them, I’m living proof that a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis does not define you. It’s still possible to dream, to challenge yourself, and to accomplish great things.”
The Desire to Push Forward Despite the Disease
After returning from Croatia, Caroline learned that her breast cancer had returned. Now recovering, she is seriously considering taking on another challenge from the Challenge Against Cancer program, this time in Indonesia in 2027. “Even though hiking isn’t really my thing, I’m still alive because of research. We need to keep giving so researchers can continue making discoveries that help people with cancer live longer.”
Donations are essential to advancing research that improves the prevention, detection, and treatment of all types of cancer, including rare cancers like Caroline’s. Thanks to these advances, Caroline can continue embracing new challenges, pursuing meaningful goals, and making a real difference.
Your story
Every experience counts. Whether you have been affected by cancer directly or indirectly, your story can offer comfort, inspire hope, and strengthen the sense of solidarity among those going through a similar challenge.