Shuntell Alston’s story is nothing short of miraculous. She is a three-time cancer survivor, a military wife, and a beacon of hope and resilience for those facing life’s toughest battles. I recently had the honor of interviewing this incredible woman, and her journey is one that touches the soul. Her life is a testament to courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serve others. Shuntell’s experiences—her triumphs, her darkest moments, and her ongoing mission—reveal the strength of a true warrior.
In our interview, Shuntell shared the pivotal moments of her life, from facing the horrors of breast and ovarian cancer to grappling with depression and suicidal ideation. “When nobody else will fight for you, you have to keep fighting for yourself,” she says, a mantra that has not only driven her forward but also formed the foundation of her life’s work. As the Founder and President of You’re Worth Fighting 4 Inc., Shuntell is on a mission to support cancer patients, their families, and those who struggle with mental health. Through her foundation, she offers both financial aid and moral support to those in need, inspiring others to embrace their own worth and fight for a brighter tomorrow.
Shuntell’s journey is chronicled in her three powerful books: You’re Worth Fighting 4: Cancer, War, and Marriage, You’re Worth Fighting 4: Blood, Sweat & Tears, and I Survived Suicide (a collaboration with other authors). Each book delves into different facets of her life and sheds light on the incredible resilience it takes to navigate cancer, support her husband’s recovery from war-induced depression, and rebuild her own sense of purpose. Her works are raw, insightful, and full of wisdom for those going through similar struggles.
Shuntell’s relentless dedication to the cancer community has earned her numerous accolades. She was honored this year by the WNBA Indiana Fever, Chick-fil-A Indianapolis, and IndyGo Bus Line for her exceptional service and advocacy. Through her partnerships with organizations like Little Red Door and Ronald McDonald House, Shuntell has extended her reach to children battling cancer, ensuring that “All Cancer Matters” is more than a slogan—it’s a movement that continues to grow.
Her impact doesn’t end there. She is also the visionary behind the Annual All Cancer Matters Ball, which has attracted major sponsorships from brands like Walmart, Meijer, Target, and E.G.O. Entertainment Network. Her work has been recognized in various ways, including a recent feature in the docudrama I Survived Suicide, where her story resonates as a powerful voice in the conversation on mental health.
Throughout our interview, Shuntell spoke passionately about the power of mindset transformation. Having faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, she has learned that overcoming self-doubt is the key to unlocking true potential. “I want people to know that they are worth fighting for, even in their darkest hour,” she shared. “No matter the battle, no matter the pain, there is a reason to keep going.”
Shuntell’s impact is expanding beyond Indiana as she partners with other organizations and leaders across the U.S. to bring her mission to a national level. Her vision for You’re Worth Fighting 4 Inc. is to create a support system that reaches every corner of the country, empowering individuals to fight not just cancer but also the isolation and despair that often come with it.
For Shuntell, every life matters, every story matters, and every battle is worth fighting.
Her story is one of hope, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit. She has taken her pain and turned it into a purpose-driven mission that uplifts others.
Readers can explore Shuntell’s inspiring answers to my interview questions below, diving even deeper into her powerful journey and the insights she offers to those fighting their own battles.
You’ve overcome incredible challenges as a three-time cancer survivor. What would you say has been the most pivotal moment in your journey that shaped who you are today?
Throughout my journey as a three-time cancer survivor, I faced many difficult moments, but the most pivotal was when I confronted death directly. In that moment, I truly understood my strength and resilience, which grounded me in gratitude and purpose. That experience redefined what I thought was possible, teaching me that no matter how tough things get, there’s always hope and a reason to keep fighting.
Your motto, “When nobody else will fight for you, you have to keep fighting for yourself,” is so powerful. How did you come to embrace this philosophy, and what does it mean to you?
I embraced the motto, “When nobody else will fight for you, you have to keep fighting for yourself,” during one of my darkest moments. As a three-time cancer survivor, I experienced times of feeling completely alone and overwhelmed. I realized that, ultimately, my inner strength would carry me through. This philosophy means choosing resilience, even when the odds seem impossible. It reminds me daily that, regardless of the circumstances, I am my own greatest advocate. This commitment to myself keeps me going and inspires me to encourage others to do the same.
As both a military wife and a survivor, you’ve faced unique struggles. How has your experience in these roles influenced the way you approach life and help others?
These experiences have taught me to embrace each moment fully, to stand strong even in uncertainty, and to encourage others to find strength within themselves. This journey has inspired me to advocate for others facing their battles, reminding them that, no matter how hard it gets, they are not alone.
Depression and suicidal ideation are challenges that many people face. How did you find the strength to confront these struggles, and what advice would you give to others who are going through similar experiences?
I found strength by accepting that it’s okay to feel vulnerable and by relying on small, daily acts of self-care, along with support from loved ones. To anyone facing similar challenges, I would say this: Don’t face it alone. Reach out, even if it’s to one person or a support group. Small steps toward self-compassion add up, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Remember, no matter how heavy it feels, you’re not alone in this battle, and there’s hope and support waiting for you.
Your foundation, You’re Worth Fighting 4 Inc., provides both moral and financial support to cancer patients. Can you share some of the ways your organization has impacted lives?
Our foundation has impacted lives by providing not only financial assistance with medical bills and treatment costs but also emotional support, which is just as crucial. We have also been able to assist families in crisis with travel expenses, so they can be with their loved ones during treatment.
Through your books, you share deeply personal stories of struggle and resilience. What has the response been like from readers, and how has sharing your story affected you personally?
Hearing how my story has helped others feel less alone and more understood has been incredibly humbling and healing for me. Personally, writing these books has allowed me to reflect on my journey and recognize my own strength, while also creating a bridge of empathy and support for those facing similar battles. It’s made me realize that vulnerability truly has the power to connect and uplift.
Being honored by organizations like the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and Chick-fil-A is an incredible recognition of your work. How have these accolades motivated you or helped further your mission?
Receiving recognition from organizations like the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and Chick-fil-A has been incredibly motivating and humbling. These accolades validate the hard work and passion behind You’re Worth Fighting 4 Inc. and broaden our platform, helping us reach more people in need. Support from these organizations has given us greater credibility and visibility, allowing us to connect with a wider audience and strengthen our community partnerships.
What has been your experience partnering with organizations like the Little Red Door and Ronald McDonald House, and what are your hopes for expanding your reach across the U.S.?
These partnerships allow us to combine resources, share knowledge, and provide comprehensive support for cancer patients and their families. Each partnership brings us closer to offering holistic care, including emotional support, financial aid, and family assistance. My hope is to expand our reach across the U.S., creating a network of support that reaches cancer patients in every state. By building more partnerships and expanding our resources, we aim to ensure that no one has to face this journey alone, regardless of where they are.
In the docudrama I Survived Suicide, your story was showcased in a very powerful way. How was it seeing your life portrayed on screen, and what do you hope people take away from it?
My hope is that viewers who are struggling see that they’re not alone and that even in the darkest times, there is a path forward. I want people to feel the power of resilience and to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If even one person finds hope and support from my story, then sharing it was absolutely worth it.
Looking ahead, what are some of your goals for You’re Worth Fighting 4 Inc., and what legacy do you hope to leave through your advocacy and community work?
My goals for You’re Worth Fighting 4 Inc. include expanding our reach to support even more cancer patients and their families, developing new programs that address the specific needs of our community, and fostering partnerships with more organizations across the U.S. Ultimately, I hope to leave a legacy of hope and resilience. I want to be remembered as someone who not only fought for my own life but also helped others find their strength. My dream is for our foundation to create a community where every individual feels valued and supported, ensuring that no one faces their cancer journey alone.
To learn more about Shuntell, visit her website: http://www.youreworthfighting4.org/
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Shuntell Alston
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