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Diana Wiig never imagined she would become a staunch advocate for cancer patients. Diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma in 2022, her journey to becoming a determined spokesperson and member of the Community Advisory Board at Huntsman Cancer Institute, has touched many lives in her local Wyoming town and far beyond.
鈥淲hen I was first diagnosed, I didn't consider myself an advocate,鈥 Diana says. 鈥淚 was shellshocked, overwhelmed with my own grief and fear. Googling my condition only heightened my anxiety. It wasn鈥檛 until I realized I had a chance to live longer that I began to think about others going through similar experiences.鈥
Diana's transformation into an advocate began with her participation in an online melanoma support group and an in-person one for patients and their spouses that is sponsored by and the state of Wyoming. 鈥淭here are usually between two to five people,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t's been a lifeline for me over the past year or so. We share our experiences and support each other through our struggles. Being a part of this 鈥榣ittle club,鈥 you learn more about what your state cancer coalition is doing. Little things, like giving out sun block at parks and being active in the community, are ways they鈥檙e having a positive effect.鈥
Work with the Community Advisory Board took a significant step forward in October 2023, when Diana traveled with leaders, trainees, caregivers, and community partners to Washington, D.C. 鈥淲e didn鈥檛 expect to speak directly to senators or lawmakers, but we wanted to put a face to [cancer ],鈥 she says. 鈥淚 was the only patient who went. Hearing what other states are doing was eye-opening. We all want to help each other and ensure people in the region can get optimal treatment, even if they have to travel across state lines.鈥
Another key component of Diana鈥檚 advocacy can be found in her teaching background. 鈥淎s a woman of science, I do my research and ask the right questions,鈥 she says. 鈥淭eaching has also helped me communicate effectively, whether one-on-one or in public speaking. It didn鈥檛 prepare me for the emotional impact of my diagnosis, but it made me flexible and resilient.鈥
Diana鈥檚 experience in education and championing under-resourced students has deeply influenced her approach to advocacy. 鈥淚 worked on a reservation for a while and saw firsthand how standardized testing can be flawed and how students often don鈥檛 know the resources available to them. This awareness carried over into my cancer journey. Advocacy, like teaching, is about planting seeds of information that can help others later on.鈥
This entire time, Diana has received treatment at Sweetwater, a Huntsman Cancer Institute affiliate hospital in Rock Springs, Wyoming. She has never had to travel to Salt Lake City, where many of her peers receive care. 鈥淚鈥檝e done everything here [at home],鈥 she explains. 鈥淚 receive Nivolumab treatments every month and after starting out with visible tumors, my markers have gone down considerably. The medication has been extremely successful,鈥 she says, crediting her doctors for their optimism and support.
Early on, Diana struggled with her diagnosis. 鈥淲hen I first learned about it, I was reeling,鈥 she says. 鈥淲e had a family gathering scheduled and I thought it would turn into a wake. So, my husband and I agreed to stay silent. It was easier than I thought to hide my diagnosis. I slept a lot, lost weight, and hit bottom. My husband, who is usually quiet, has been a rock through all of this. I didn鈥檛 want cancer to define me. Then after I started to improve, I began dealing with survivor鈥檚 guilt. A trauma specialist has really helped.鈥
Physical activity is also a significant part of Diana鈥檚 life. 鈥淏oxing is great for me,鈥 she says with a smile. 鈥淚t keeps me active, and my coach treats me like anyone else, which is important. When you鈥檙e boxing, you don鈥檛 let your guard down. You stay prepared and focused.鈥
In addition to boxing, Diana practices Qigong, an ancient Chinese exercise that combines breathing and movement. 鈥淨igong grounds me,鈥 she says. 鈥淏oth have been crucial in strengthening my mind, balance, and stamina.鈥
Diana鈥檚 journey from a frightened patient to a powerful advocate is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Her story is a beacon of hope for those navigating tumultuous waters, reminding us of the importance of support, resilience, and advocacy through education.