Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Catherine Haffey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Catherine, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience Beyond Cancer: My Journey from Fear to Empowerment
Fourteen years ago, I stood at the finish line of my breast cancer treatment, expecting to feel relief, joy, and a sense of victory. Instead, I was met with an unsettling silence. The doctors had done their part—chemo, surgery, radiation—but when it came to what came next, there was nothing. No roadmap, no guidance, no answers to the most pressing question in my mind: How do I keep cancer from coming back?
I walked out of my final appointment with a mix of emotions—gratitude for being alive, fear of the unknown, and overwhelming confusion. The medical team had reassured me, “There’s nothing you did to cause this, and there’s nothing you can do to prevent it from coming back.” But that statement left me feeling powerless, like a ticking time bomb waiting for cancer to return. I refused to accept that I had no control over my future.
In the months that followed, I spiraled into fear and anxiety. Every ache, every pain, every follow-up scan filled me with dread. I felt like a victim, waiting for something inevitable rather than a fighter with a chance to change the outcome. It was then that I made a decision: I was not going to live in fear. I was going to find a way to take back my power.
I dove into research, determined to uncover what survivors could do to put the odds in their favor. What I found was both infuriating and liberating. The science was clear—nutrition, movement, stress management, and mindset all played a significant role in reducing the chances of recurrence. Substantial studies showed that adopting an anti-cancer lifestyle could dramatically impact long-term survival. Yet, this vital information was never discussed in my treatment plan.
The lack of direction and support fueled a fire within me. I didn’t want other survivors to feel the same fear and helplessness I had endured. I knew I had to take this knowledge and turn it into something meaningful—not just for myself, but for others walking this path. That’s when my journey into health and wellness truly began.
Determined to be a resource for other survivors, I became a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and earned a certification in Plant-Based Nutrition. Through these certifications, I deepened my understanding of how food, movement, and mindset influence healing and long-term health. My struggles had given me purpose—to empower women with the tools I never had post-treatment.
This calling led me to found Resilience Beyond Cancer, a coaching program dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors reclaim their strength, take proactive steps to reduce recurrence risk, and develop the mindset of a victor, not a victim.
Resilience became a welcomed side effect of my cancer journey. Through it all , I discovered that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about rising stronger, more informed, and more determined than ever. Resilience meant refusing to accept the status quo, asking the hard questions, and seeking solutions when none were given. It meant shifting my mindset from fear to empowerment, from uncertainty to clarity, and from helplessness to taking action every single day.
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that cancer will never return—because none of us have them. But I was determined to do everything I could to not to let cancer be the final chapter of my life.,
Today, I stand not just as a resilient survivor, but as a warrior, a coach, and a passionate advocate for every woman who refuses to let cancer define her future. If I can do this, so can every other breast cancer survivor. It’s a choice which empowers and gives us hope.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a 14 year breast cancer survivor , I wanted to take what I had learned to help other survivors. I knew all too well that most would not get the information I had and would need it if they wanted to truly keep cancer at bay. So I became a certified Health and Wellness coach specializing in breast cancer survivorship. I also became certified in plant based nutrition in Dr. T. Colin Campbell’s Plant Based Nutrition through ecornel university . I then founded Resilience Beyond Cancer coaching.
What makes my work as a Health & Wellness Coach and the founder of Resilience Beyond Cancer so special is that I help breast cancer survivors take back control of their health, their future, and their confidence. Too often, survivors are left without a plan after treatment, told to ‘wait and see’ if cancer returns. That’s not good enough. My work is about shifting survivors from fear to action, from uncertainty to empowerment.
What excites me the most is seeing women go from feeling powerless—like cancer is in control—to realizing they have the ability to influence their long-term health. Through evidence-based lifestyle strategies in nutrition, movement, and mindset, I guide them in reducing their risk of recurrence and creating a vibrant, healthy life post-cancer.
The transformation I witness is incredible. Survivors come in feeling lost and overwhelmed, but they leave feeling strong, informed, and in control. They realize they are not just survivors—they are thrivers. That’s what makes my work so meaningful and why I’m so passionate about Resilience Beyond Cancer. It’s not just about extending life—it’s about making every moment count with confidence, energy, and purpose.
Coming very soon is a brand new offering which is entirely free and is a mini – course” called “The Cancer-Free Formula:: a Mini-Course to Jumpstart Your Resilience Beyond Cancer Journey”, where in just 10 minutes a day, a survivor can learn about anti – cancer nutrition, exercises and mindset.
We also offer a 30 Day Kickstart program which is a DIY course. It’s jammed packed with anti-cancer meal plans, exercises and awesome affirmations to reframe fearful thoughts to fearlessness.. This program is designed to jumpstart a breast cancer survivor’s healing journey for 30 days.
A very special beta soft launch is planned in late May for survivors ready to commit to complete healing from cancer in the Resilience Beyond Cancer customized program. It is limited to only 10 survivors and will be offered at a substantial discounted rate in exchange for their awesome testimonials.
I created this program because I know firsthand how it feels to be left without a plan. I didn’t want other survivors to struggle the way I did, searching for answers and feeling powerless. Resilience Beyond Cancer is the solution I wish I had—a clear, supportive, and customized path to truly thriving after cancer.
What is Resilience Beyond Cancer program? Resilience Beyond Cancer is a high-touch, customized coaching program that takes survivors from feeling fearful and overwhelmed to feeling strong, empowered, and in control of their long-term health. It’s not about quick fixes—it’s about sustainable, life-changing habits that create lasting wellness.
This is what makes Resilience Beyond Cancer special…✅ Personalized & Science-Backed – Every survivor is different, and so are their needs. This program tailors nutrition, movement, and mindset strategies to their unique lifestyle, medical history, and goals.
✅ Bridges the Gap After Treatment – Most survivors finish treatment feeling lost, with little to no guidance on how to support their long-term health. Resilience Beyond Cancer provides the missing roadmap, helping survivors move from uncertainty to confidence.
✅ Empowers Survivors to Take Action – Instead of waiting for the next scan in fear, my coaching puts the power back in their hands. It teaches them what they can do every day to support their healing, regain strength, and feel truly in control of their future.
✅ A Whole-Person Approach – This program isn’t just about one aspect of health—it’s about total transformation. It includes:
Anti-cancer nutrition guidance based on research-backed lifestyle modifications.
Safe, survivor-friendly movement plans to rebuild strength without exhaustion.
Mindset shifts & stress management tools to overcome fear and create long-term resilience.
✅ Provides Unmatched Support – Survivors often feel isolated after treatment. This program gives them the tools, knowledge, and personalized support they need to feel confident, capable, and truly thrive.
Readers can find out more at catherinehaffey.com and can email me directly at [email protected]
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My journey has been shaped by resilience, education, and a deep passion for empowering others. These three qualities have allowed me to create a program that helps survivors not just survive, but truly thrive. I took control of my own health, and now, I help others do the same—because every survivor deserves a plan, a purpose, and a future filled with strength and confidence.
My advice for those early in their cancer journey:
*You Are Stronger Than You Think
Right now, everything may feel overwhelming—but you have more strength inside you than you realize.
Take things one step at a time—you don’t have to have all the answers today.
Lean on your support system and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
* You Are Not Just a Patient—You Are Your Own Best Advocate~ this is so important that you take responsibility for your heath.
Ask questions and make sure you understand your treatment options.
Take an active role in your healing—research, learn, and don’t be afraid to seek second opinions.
Doctors focus on treatment, but YOU can focus on your whole-body wellness.
* Fear Is Normal, But It Doesn’t Have to Control You
It’s okay to feel scared, but try to shift your focus to what you can control.
Your mindset matters. Practicing gratitude, meditation, or journaling can help ease anxiety.
Surround yourself with hopeful, encouraging voices.
* Small, Healthy Choices Make a Big Difference
Nutrition, movement, and stress management can support your body through treatment and beyond.
Start small—even adding one healthy habit a day is progress.
Think of it as building strength for your future, not just getting through today.
* You Are More Than Cancer—Hold Onto What Brings You Joy
Cancer is a chapter in your story, not your whole identity.
Stay connected to what makes you happy—whether it’s family, hobbies, nature, or spirituality.
Find moments of joy even in the hardest days.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My Ideal Client for Resilience Beyond Cancer program:
My ideal client is a breast cancer survivor who has completed treatment but feels lost, anxious, or overwhelmed about what comes next. She is motivated to take control of her health but needs guidance, clarity, and a structured plan to reduce her risk of recurrence and rebuild her strength.
Characteristics of my ideal client are as follows:
✅ A breast cancer survivor (Stage 0-3) who has completed treatment (any combination of surgery, chemo, and/or radiation) and is now navigating life beyond cancer.
✅ Feels relieved but also fearful, wondering, “What can I do to prevent this from coming back?”
✅ Wants a proactive plan—not just “wait and see” until the next scan.
✅ Values science-backed guidance but feels overwhelmed by conflicting health advice.
✅ Struggles with energy, strength, and confidence post-treatment.
✅ Wants simple, realistic lifestyle changes that fit her life, without extreme diets or exhausting workouts.
✅ Seeks community and support from others who understand her journey.
✅ Is ready to invest in herself—her health, mindset, and future.
This is what she desires:
A clear, science-backed plan to support her long-term health.
To feel strong, energized, and confident again.
To shift from fear to empowerment—knowing she’s doing everything she can to reduce her risk.
A community of like-minded survivors who inspire and support her.
To wake up every day feeling in control, not just waiting for the next scan.
My ideal client is READY for change. She just needs the right guide and a proven plan to get her there—and that’s hopefully the Resilience Beyond Cancer program to get her the right complete support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://catherinehaffey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherine_lowehaffey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherinehaffeydotcom
- Youtube: : https://www.youtube.com/@beatbreastcancer
- Other: direct email: [email protected]
Book a free consultation call: https://calendly.com/clhaffey/30min
FREE Mini Course: LINK COMING SOON
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