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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.
“When I was first diagnosed, I didn't consider myself an advocate,” Diana says. “I was shellshocked, overwhelmed with my own grief and fear. Googling my condition only heightened my anxiety. It wasn’t until I realized I had a chance to live longer that I began to think about others going through similar experiences.”
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 Sweetwater Regional Cancer Center and the state of Wyoming. “There are usually between two to five people,” she says. “It'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 ‘little club,’ 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’re having a positive effect.”
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. “We didn’t expect to speak directly to senators or lawmakers, but we wanted to put a face to [cancer ],” she says. “I 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.”
Another key component of Diana’s advocacy can be found in her teaching background. “As a woman of science, I do my research and ask the right questions,” she says. “Teaching has also helped me communicate effectively, whether one-on-one or in public speaking. It didn’t prepare me for the emotional impact of my diagnosis, but it made me flexible and resilient.”
Diana’s experience in education and championing under-resourced students has deeply influenced her approach to advocacy. “I worked on a reservation for a while and saw firsthand how standardized testing can be flawed and how students often don’t 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.”
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. “I’ve done everything here [at home],” she explains. “I receive Nivolumab treatments every month and after starting out with visible tumors, my markers have gone down considerably. The medication has been extremely successful,” she says, crediting her doctors for their optimism and support.
Early on, Diana struggled with her diagnosis. “When I first learned about it, I was reeling,” she says. “We 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’t want cancer to define me. Then after I started to improve, I began dealing with survivor’s guilt. A trauma specialist has really helped.”
Physical activity is also a significant part of Diana’s life. “Boxing is great for me,” she says with a smile. “It keeps me active, and my coach treats me like anyone else, which is important. When you’re boxing, you don’t let your guard down. You stay prepared and focused.”
In addition to boxing, Diana practices Qigong, an ancient Chinese exercise that combines breathing and movement. “Qigong grounds me,” she says. “Both have been crucial in strengthening my mind, balance, and stamina.”
Diana’s 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.