From Banking To Battling Cancer: Aarti Sondhi's Inspiring Journey Of Hope And Resilience

Positive, courageous and full of hope- these are the words that would perfectly describe someone like Aarti Sondhi. She braved cancer head-on when it showed up not once, not twice, but four times! In a candid conversation with OneArabia, Aarti Sondhi shares her journey through battling stage 4 breast cancer and emerging with a newfound purpose.

Life Before Cancer

Before the life-altering diagnosis, Aarti led a vibrant life marked by constant change and achievements. Born to an air force pilot, her childhood was spent relocating across India, which imbued her with adaptability and resilience. She pursued her higher education in Delhi, completing her MBA in Gurgaon. It was here she met her husband, whom she married in 2001. The couple moved to Dubai in 2005, where Aarti joined Emirates NBD, marking a significant phase in her professional life. At the time of her diagnosis, she was a devoted mother to her two children, aged 9 and 14, and had taken a step back from her career to focus on her family.

The Turning Point: Diagnosis Of Stage 4 Cancer

"One day, lying on my bed, I felt this lump in my breast. Since someone close to me had recently been diagnosed with cancer, I knew that this was not something to be ignored or taken lightly", starts off Aarti.

The year 2020 brought a drastic turn in Aarti's life when she discovered a lump in her breast. With heightened awareness due to a family member's diagnosis, she was quick to seek medical advice. Her proactive approach led to an early diagnosis of breast cancer, which had unfortunately metastasized to her liver, indicating stage 4 of the disease. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a new battle for Aarti, one that she was determined to face head-on.

"A series of tests confirmed it was breast cancer, but it also revealed Metastasis in the liver- which means I was already stage 4", she said.

Adapting To A New Reality

Following her diagnosis, the focus shifted entirely towards her health, compelling her to enroll in a nutrition course aimed at natural health management. Additionally, she embraced yoga and homeopathy, seeking to alleviate symptoms through these alternative methods. However, her oncologist advised caution, emphasizing the importance of not mixing treatments to avoid negating their effects.

"After I was diagnosed, my focus was completely on my health. And, this I mean not just for cancer but even otherwise. So, I completed a nutrition course so I could naturally take care of my health. Secondly, I started practicing yoga."

The pandemic added another layer of difficulty, necessitating complete isolation to protect her from contracting Covid-19. This isolation extended to her entire family, affecting her son's education as he transitioned to online learning, being the only one in his class to do so. The family underwent significant adjustments to ensure safety, successfully managing a year of isolation.

Unwavering Support System

Her husband's unwavering presence has been a source of immense strength throughout her three-year ordeal. Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, which restricted family visits, he stood by her side, offering consistent support and companionship during every treatment session. The experience has also hastened the maturity of their children, particularly their son, who witnessed his mother's struggle from a young age. Their unique ways of providing comfort have been a beacon of joy and motivation.

"My husband has been my rock, my pillar of support throughout. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed when Covid was at its peak. So, no one from my family was able to travel to be with me. He was there all alone to support me and has been to every single session with me."

Moreover, Aarti's extended family, including her mother and mother-in-law, also played a crucial role in providing both physical and moral support, travelling whenever possible to offer additional help with the children.

Friends have also emerged as vital pillars of support, going beyond expectations to assist during her most challenging times. From delivering meals to keeping her company and offering emotional support, their efforts have significantly contributed to her well-being and ability to maintain a positive outlook.

Winning Hearts

In a display of extraordinary courage and resilience, Aarti Sondhi made headlines at the Mrs. Universe Middle East beauty pageant in Dubai, not just for her participation but for clinching the title of first runner-up. What set Aarti apart was not just her beauty or poise but her bold decision to walk the ramp without a wig, all while undergoing chemotherapy. She wasn't just representing her country; she stood as a beacon of hope for cancer warriors across the globe, redefining beauty standards and showcasing that true beauty emanates from within, irrespective of one's physical state.

Aarti's journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Refusing to let cancer dictate her life, she embraced living fully, engaging in volunteer work, and becoming a source of motivation for others facing similar battles. Her work with Majlis Al Amal – Al Jalila Foundation in Dubai highlights her commitment, where she dedicated her time to interacting with cancer survivors, sharing experiences, and spreading hope. Understanding the financial challenges many face in accessing treatment, Aarti, alongside her son, embarked on a cycling drive to raise funds for those unable to afford medical care, ensuring that her efforts would have a tangible impact on the lives of others.

"Cancer has given me the opportunity to show the world that cancer does not equal depression and hating oneself, or life. Our body manifests what our mind believes. Hence, it's very important to keep our mind healthy equally to our body," Aarti shared.

Embracing A New Role: Cancer Coaching

Despite the challenges posed by her health, Aarti found a new calling in the midst of her battle with cancer. With over a decade of experience in the banking sector, she chose to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The last two years have been transformative for Aarti, inspiring her to explore the field of cancer coaching. She aims to leverage her personal experiences and learnings to guide and support others facing similar battles. Aarti's story is a testament to her indomitable spirit and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those navigating through their cancer journeys.

Dealing with the rigors of cancer treatment involves navigating through a spectrum of days - from good to bad, to worse. On particularly challenging days, Aarti turns to yoga and rest, acknowledging the importance of listening to her body and accepting the need for downtime. Mentally taxing days call for a different approach; she finds solace in prayer, the company of friends, and open conversations, highlighting the therapeutic power of being heard.

Aarti's perspective on life underwent a profound transformation following her cancer diagnosis. Faced with one of the most challenging episodes of her life, she embraced her condition with an unusual optimism. "Cancer has given me the opportunity to show the world that cancer does not equal depression and hating oneself, or life. Our body manifests what our mind believes. Hence, it's very important to keep our mind healthy equally to our body," Aarti explained. Her words serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of positive thinking in the face of adversity.

Her story not only highlights the significance of a positive mindset and the courage to ask for help but also underscores the critical role of early detection in overcoming cancer.