Her Truth, Her Triumph: Owning Identity & Steering Impact

Today's episode is sponsored by OWYN: Use Code Mile40 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.liveowyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 20% off your next purchase!On Episode 155 of the Mile 40 Podcast, host Bishoy Tadros sits down with Hardee Bhavsar, a true testament to resilience and the power of speaking your truth. Diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 20, and only a month into the pandemic, Hardee’s world was turned upside down during what should have been an ordinary college year at Rutgers. Instead of staying silent, she found her strength through both struggle and community, breaking the mold in the South Asian community where illness is often hidden. Today, Hardee is not only a blood cancer advocate but also the founder of Answer for Cancer, a support group for young adults, and a runner with Team Inspire for the New York City Marathon. Together, Bishoy and Hardee discuss isolation, identity, and the life-changing impact of vulnerability and connection. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about overcoming adversity, owning your narrative, and discovering just how powerful comebacks can truly be.In April 2020, at 20 years old, Hardee was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, just one month into the pandemic and during her sophomore year at Rutgers University. What followed was a year of chemotherapy, surgeries, and isolation, but it taught her the power of resilience and gratitude. Growing up South Asian, Hardee saw illness treated as something to hide, but she chose to speak up and show that being sick isn’t weakness, fighting it is strength. After treatment, Hardee became an advocate for Blood Cancer United, formerly Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Hardee also founded Answer for Cancer, a support group for young adults at Rutgers University. Now, five years in remission, Hardee was selected to be a part of NYRR’s Team Inspire for the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon. She will be running with Blood Cancer United to celebrate her remission and to honor those still fighting, because no one should ever feel alone in their journey.More on Mile 40: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:mile40podcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: @mile40podcast @bishoy_tadrosYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BishoyTadrosPurchase Your Copy of Break Barriers OR Audacious Today - Use Code MILE40 for 20% off: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bishoytadros.com