Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Garibaldi.
Diana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2023, my life changed completely when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, I was working as a medical assistant while also helping care for my mother, who is still battling dementia today. I was so focused on caring for others that I never imagined I would suddenly become a patient myself.
The diagnosis brought fear, uncertainty, and emotional challenges while I continued balancing treatment, work, and caregiving. After being declared cancer-free, I later faced a recurrence in 2025, which became another difficult chapter in my journey. Throughout it all, my faith became one of my greatest sources of strength and helped me continue moving forward even during the hardest moments.
My experience also inspired me to become a Latina patient advocate and create BbellaBstrong, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women fighting breast cancer. Through our “Bella Beauty Bella Bags,” we provide beauty and self-care items to remind women that confidence, mental health, and self-love are also important parts of healing.
Although I am still actively in treatment, this journey has given me a deeper purpose: helping other women feel seen, supported, and never alone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles has been trying to balance my own cancer journey while also caring for my mother, who is battling dementia. There were moments where I felt physically and emotionally exhausted trying to manage treatment, work, family responsibilities, and the mental weight that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
Another difficult part was facing a recurrence in 2025 after being declared cancer-free. That was emotionally devastating and brought a new wave of fear and uncertainty. I also learned how deeply cancer affects mental health, confidence, and everyday life in ways people do not always see.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have worked as a medical assistant for more than 20 years, gaining experience in different hospitals, departments, and medical offices. Throughout my career, one thing has always remained the same: the compassion and care I give to my patients and the people around me.
Many coworkers have asked me, “Where do you get so much joy from?” because no matter what I may be going through personally, I always arrive at work with a positive attitude and a smile. I am proud of the lives I have been able to touch throughout the years, and even today many patients and coworkers still remember me for the kindness, support, and love I gave them during difficult moments.
Even during my cancer journey, I continued working and caring for others without allowing cancer to take away my purpose or my spirit. That experience gave me an even deeper understanding of what patients go through and strengthened the empathy I already carried in my heart.
What sets me apart from others? Honestly, I believe it is my faith. I have God in my heart, and that has taught me to love others, respect people, and serve with genuine compassion. I do not see patients as numbers or tasks — I see them as human beings who deserve kindness, dignity, and care.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I always believed I was an artist at heart. I would sing in front of the mirror, wear my mother’s high heels, and pretend I was modeling. I loved music, beauty, and expressing myself creatively. My father, who is now resting in peace, used to tell me, “You could be Miss Puerto Rico one day,” and I would laugh because to me there were always so many beautiful women in the world.
Even through difficult moments and personal traumas growing up, I remained humble and kept a kind heart. I have always tried to treat people with love, respect, and compassion. Looking back now, I believe those experiences shaped the woman I became-someone strong, caring, faithful, and able to continue finding light even during hard times.
Pricing:
- BbellaBstrong is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting women going through breast cancer treatment through donations and community support.
- Our “Beauty Bella Bags” are donated to women in treatment and include beauty, self-care, and comfort items designed to uplift confidence and emotional wellbeing.
- Community members and businesses can support our mission through donations, sponsorships, beauty product contributions, or fundraising collaborations.
- More information about ways to support and upcoming events can be found through BbellaBstrong’s social media platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BbellaBstrong.org
- Instagram: bbellabstrong
- Facebook: bbellabstrong
- LinkedIn: bbellabstrong
