Introducing Petra's powerful story on cervical cancer. What starts as a personal fitness journey turns into a profound lesson on life's priorities, inspired by her friend's work with the Ruby and Rose Foundation. Read on to gain valuable perspective.
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It's May holidays, and we're vacationing in the Algarve with the family. Our youngest is napping peacefully while the other kids splash in the pool under dad's watchful eye as lifeguard. For me, this is precious 'me time'.
These moments are rare in our busy family life, so I savor it: lounging on a sunbed by the water with a drink, browsing the web. Then, catching my reflection in my phone case, I see it—my body showing signs of age: rolls, dimples, spots. Shocking! I'd pictured myself as a tanned, slim 'Cleopatra by the pool,' still holding up well as a mom of three nearing 40.
I act immediately—this can't continue. I'd heard schoolyard moms rave about a top coach promising results, so I check his Facebook page. Perfect timing: a new program starts right after vacation. Three intense sessions weekly, plus a healthy eating plan. It promises to transform me from 'mom with extra padding' to a fit MILF. In under six weeks, it delivers: I feel tighter and stronger than ever, trading snack cravings for a true fitness passion.
Now a gym regular, I mix running, strength training, and kickboxing. I've mastered nutrition for intense workouts—cutting carbs, added sugars, and E-numbers. It's empowering to push my body's limits. Yet, I know not everyone gets this chance; health isn't guaranteed for anyone.
My gym buddy Joyce, an ambassador for Ruby and Rose—a foundation battling gynecological cancer—shared her story. She recently lost her best friend to cervical cancer at 42, then her sister to pancreatic cancer. Two vibrant women gone too soon. Life's cruelty hit hard. Before passing, both poured their energy into the foundation; Joyce carries their legacy forward.
Hearing this, I felt ashamed of fixating on my age. Turning 40 once seemed 'old,' but these women would've traded anything for more healthy years. I vowed to stop complaining—age is just a number.
Researching Ruby and Rose, I learned about 4,500 women diagnosed yearly with gynecological cancers in the Netherlands. Many don't survive. The foundation funds vital research to boost survival rates for cervical, ovarian, and other cancers.
At 41, I proudly own my age. Fitter than ever thanks to my coach, I embrace life fully. Training with inspiring women boosts us all, and we've supported Ruby and Rose together.
Want to rally your team against women's cancer? Order pink Ruby and Rose water bottles for your group here. Buy 5+ for a discount and a chance at a surprise prize!
Prefer to donate directly or shop? Visit the site for options like the signature Biba bracelet with rose in silver, rosé, or gold.
Support Ruby and Rose in the battle against gynecological cancer. And don't skip population screening—it can affect any woman: your mother, sister, partner, daughter, aunt, grandmother... or you.
