‘My mother took medicines to abort me’: How this woman survived two cancers, loss of parents and still chose hope

Some people spend their lives trying to become stronger. Others discover, very early, that strength is their only option. For Pune-based author and cancer survivor Sangita Raje, survival did not begin with a diagnosis.

It began before birth itself. Today, after living through two cancers, losing both parents, and enduring years of pain, surgeries and treatment, she continues to speak about hope with remarkable calm. "I fought for survival before I was even born," Sangita says on her Instagram. "My mother took medicines to abort me. But somehow... I survived. During birth, the doctors weren't sure I would make it. But I survived."

Losing childhood too early

In an Instagram post, she says life brought its first major loss when she was just 11. "At 11, I lost my father. My mother had to sell our home just so we could survive. Life became a battle far too early." Childhood suddenly gave way to responsibility. Financial struggles became part of daily life, and uncertainty became familiar. Then another tragedy changed her life. "At 15, I got married. Not because I dreamt of it. But because my sister passed away after childbirth, and someone had to care for her newborn daughter," recalls Sangita.

Her teenage years were shaped by grief and duty.

And then, then when she was 22...

Motherhood brought some joy back to Sangita’s life. "At 20, I was blessed with a son," she says. But two years later came another life-altering moment. "At 22, I was diagnosed with Lupus, a life-threatening autoimmune disease." Lupus is a chronic condition in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. It can affect multiple organs and often brings years of unpredictable symptoms.For Sangita, the illness became a long companion. "Years of fever, severe joint pain, sun allergy, Vertigo, eye complications went by but none of it could steal my smile," she said. Living with chronic illness often means fighting invisible battles. Pain becomes routine. Fatigue becomes normal. Yet many people continue carrying on with work, family responsibilities and daily life while hiding the extent of their suffering.

Sangita says she consciously chose not to let illness define her.

The first cancer diagnosis

In 2019, another challenge arrived. "When I was diagnosed with a brain malignancy in 2019, many thought my world would shrink. Seven months later, I was standing in Europe, creating memories instead of counting my fears." It is a sentence that captures much of her approach to life. Instead of allowing fear to become the centre of her world, she chose experiences. But life was not done testing her."Then life hit me again. In 2022, I lost my mother. Six months later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer." Grief and illness arrived almost together. Doctors told her that her case was unusual. She says, "Doctors called me a rare case. I had two different cancers in my body at the same time."For most people, one major illness can feel overwhelming. Facing two cancers while grieving the loss of a parent demanded extraordinary emotional strength.

But she says support from family and loved ones became an important part of her healing journey. "But through every surgery… every chemotherapy session… every radiation cycle… I never walked alone," recalls Sangita.

The fear she rarely spoke about

Interestingly, Sangita says the illness itself was not always her greatest fear. "My darkest shadow was, and in many ways still is, the fear of losing my independence; the fear of entering a vegetative state and becoming a burden on my family, especially in the face of a major operation.

That thought was far more frightening than the illness itself.Further, she says, “But somewhere along this journey, I made a conscious choice not to live in that fear. The faith and grace of my Gurudev helped me face everything with a smile. And my ability to smile, even in the darkest days became my biggest shield"

‘You are much stronger than your diagnosis’

Today, through her writing, reels and podcasts, Sangita shares her experiences with others who are struggling with serious illnesses.

When asked what she would tell someone sitting in their own darkness, whether because of illness or any other challenge, her answer is simple."That they are much stronger than their diagnosis. Your diagnosis does not define you. The greatest healing power we possess lies within our own minds and inner strength. When everything feels uncertain, hold on to the belief that you are healing. Our thoughts are powerful, and our bodies listen to them.

Believe in your healing, and your body will respond to that belief."Today, Sangita Raje is an author, digital creator and podcaster. Her debut book, ‘Light Beyond the Shadows: A True Story’, reflects the same message that has guided her life for decades: that healing is not always physical and hope can survive even in the darkest seasons.Her story is not one of a woman who never broke. It is the story of a woman who broke, healed, fought again, and continued to smile.