Meet Adriana Pabon

We recently connected with Adriana Pabon and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Adriana Pabon, 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?

My journey to resilience has been shaped by the trials I’ve faced as both a cancer survivor and a domestic violence survivor, and by the support of a loving family that gave me the strength to keep going, even in the toughest times.

Surviving domestic violence wasn’t just about escaping a dangerous situation but reclaiming my life and sense of self. The real turning point came when I connected with other survivors. Hearing their stories and sharing my own created a bond of shared strength and understanding. It was through this community that I found the courage to rebuild my life.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, that diagnosis added another layer to the meaning of resilience. My world was turned upside down. The physical and emotional toll was immense, and I often found myself in dark places, questioning if I had the strength to go on. During this time, I realized that resilience was not just about enduring the pain but finding purpose in the midst of it. I drew strength from the stories of other survivors, their battles, and triumphs. They became my beacon of hope, showing me that survival was possible, and that there was life beyond all the suffering.

These experiences led me to establish The Affirmations Project. I wanted to create the support system that I had found so crucial in my own journey. The Affirmations Project provides financial assistance to survivors of cancer and domestic violence and fosters a community where women can share their stories and support each other. We also promoting self-love and self-acceptance. We want to help women discover their true value regardless of the physical and emotional scars. Seeing the positive impact of our work on those we help continues to motivate me every day.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a survivor of both cancer and domestic violence, I’ve experienced firsthand the immense challenges that come with these battles. It can be financially and emotionally devastating. However, my journey has also been blessed by the extraordinary women who have shown me what true grace and strength look like. Their resilience has been my inspiration and a driving force behind my mission. I started The Affirmations Project to provide support to other survivors, not just financially, but also by creating a community where they can find friendship and understanding. Through our work, we want to offer a safe space where survivors can share their stories, uplift each other, and build a network of support that is essential for healing and growth.

We want to continue to growth and evolve. We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to better serve this community of women. Our goal is to expand our reach, enhance our programs, and provide even more comprehensive support. This includes financial assistance and emotional support when our friends need it the most.

We have our main fundraising coming up, a gala at the Tampa River Center on 9/14/24 at 6 pm. This is not just a fundraiser; it is a celebration of the strength and resilience of the survivors we support. At this event, we will unveil The Affirmations Project photo gallery of survivors with their words of affirmation painted on their bodies, and we will hear their testimonies. It is at this point that attendees truly understand the concept and meaning of The Affirmations Project and are inspired by the strength of these women. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, share in the progress we’ve made, and contribute to our future growth.

My focus is on expanding The Affirmations Project and finding more ways to serve these women. I am passionate about making a lasting impact and ensuring that every survivor we connect with knows they are not alone and that they have a strong support system behind them.

The community’s involvement helps us continue our mission and make a difference in the lives of many women in need. Whether you attend our gala, become a sponsor, donate a raffle item, or simply spread the word, every action counts. Together, we can empower survivors to rise and live fulfilling lives.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Hard Work, determination and passion: Hard work has been essential in my journey. Balancing a full-time job while nurturing my vision for The Affirmations Project has required tremendous effort and dedication. Overcoming cancer and domestic violence demanded relentless perseverance, both physically and mentally. I had to work tirelessly to rebuild my life, regain my strength, and pursue my goals despite numerous obstacles. These experiences equipped me with the tools I needed to face any challenge, proving to me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

For those early in their journey, embrace the value of hard work. Set small, achievable goals and work diligently towards them. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that every step forward is a victory. Hard work lays the foundation for long-term success and personal growth.

Determination was crucial in keeping me moving forward, even when the odds were against me. There were many moments when giving up felt like the easier option, but my determination to overcome my circumstances and make a positive impact and help others kept me going.

I’d tell anyone reading this to believe in themselves, be determined. Stay focused on your goals and remind yourself why they matter to you. When faced with setbacks, view them as opportunities to learn and grow rather than reasons to quit. Surround yourself with positive influences and keep pushing forward, no matter how tough it gets.

My passion and belief in my dream of starting The Affirmations Project have been crucial in my journey. I knew there was a need for a platform where women could express themselves, share their stories, and contribute to their healing. This belief fueled my efforts to create this organization to provide not only financial support but also a safe place, a community of solidarity.

Follow your passion and believe in your dreams, even when they seem daunting. Identify a need or a gap that you are passionate about filling and let that drive you. Your belief in your mission will inspire others and attract the support you need to bring your vision to life. Passion fuels perseverance, and when you believe in your cause, others will too.

The support I received from others played a significant role in my journey. Connecting with other survivors and finding a community of people who understood my struggles provided immense strength and encouragement. This network of support was vital for my healing and growth.

Build and nurture your support system. Seek out communities, groups, or individuals who share similar experiences and can offer understanding and encouragement. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. A strong support system can provide the assistance needed to navigate challenging times.

For anyone at the beginning of their journey, remember that developing these qualities takes time and patience. Stay committed, lean on your support system, and believe in your ability to overcome. Your hard work, determination, passion, and the strength of your community will carry you through the toughest challenges and lead you to a place of endless possibilities.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Throughout my journey, several people have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed for success. My family and friends have been my rock, providing unwavering support and encouragement. Their love and belief in me gave me the strength to persevere through the toughest times

Connecting with other survivors of cancer and domestic violence has been incredibly empowering. These extraordinary women have shown me what true grace and strength look like. Their shared experiences and mutual support have provided me with invaluable insights and a sense of solidarity. Together, we’ve built a network of encouragement that has been crucial in my healing and growth.

I am deeply grateful for the support of my family and friends and the survivor community. Their collective guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have been critical in overcoming challenges and achieving my goals. For anyone on a similar journey, I encourage you to seek out and nurture these supportive relationships—they are invaluable sources of strength and inspiration.

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