Survivor Turns Pain into Purpose, Heartbreak into Hope

Cyndi Bruner's journey through grief and cancer became a mission to help others find support and strength.

When Cyndi Bruner thinks back to her cancer diagnosis, the memories are still sharp.

It was three days before Christmas in 2011 when she learned she had breast cancer – news no one is ever prepared for, let alone while navigating profound grief. Just 10 months earlier, both her husband and father had passed away unexpectedly. She was still absorbing that loss when her routine mammogram showed an abnormality, and the follow-up biopsy confirmed something she couldn’t ignore.

“I went about the surgery and treatment somewhat robotically,” she said. “I didn’t have the emotional bandwidth to do anything except follow instructions. Even though I did rely on my nurse navigator to help me, I didn’t even think to reach out to the American Cancer Society back then—I was in survival mode.”

In the years that followed, Cyndi transformed one of the most difficult chapters of her life into a commitment to help others facing cancer. She found purpose in helping others navigate their own cancer journeys. Today, as an American Cancer Society volunteer, she turns her experiences into hope and support for people with cancer facing some of life's hardest moments.

Life after cancer: Choosing to give back

Cyndi and her dog Marnie live in the quiet woods near Lake Anna, Virginia. She works full-time in marketing and accounting for a small company in Fredericksburg and helps run a dog-focused business called Woof Houze, which offers training and walking services. When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

But a major part of her life today revolves around giving back. Her decision to volunteer was inspired by her late husband, who was a minister deeply committed to serving others.

“Service was so important in his life,” she said. “Once I started healing, I knew I wanted to honor him by helping others.”

That commitment led her to the American Cancer Society, where she volunteers in several capacities, including:

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer®, the American Cancer Society's signature fundraising walk that honors survivors, caregivers, and loved ones, while raising money for research and support services

• Road To Recovery®, which provides free transportation for people with cancer to and from cancer-related medical appointments

• ACS CARES®, a mobile app that connects people with cancer to trained volunteers who have shared experiences

A volunteer who understands

Cyndi said her experiences have shaped the way she supports people with cancer.

She's developed a keen awareness of what it’s like to feel emotionally isolated during cancer treatment, especially for people who live alone or have limited support networks. Cyndi said she has met people with cancer who are widowed, geographically distant from their families, or estranged from loved ones. She recognizes that facing cancer without a strong support system may make an already difficult situation feel even more overwhelming.

That’s one reason she’s so committed to ACS CARES.

“ACS CARES is different because it provides an immediate connection,” she explains. “At the start of a diagnosis, there’s so much fear and confusion. Being matched with someone who understands—someone who just gets it without needing a long explanation—can make a world of difference.”

Sometimes the support she offers is emotional, helping people with cancer sort through their feelings. Other times it’s logistical, such as navigating workplace conversations or exploring options for a second opinion. Often, it’s simply being available.

Cyndi recalls one woman who had just been diagnosed and was torn about whether to share the news with her coworkers.

“She was worried about protecting her professional role,” Cyndi said. “Talking it through helped her decide how to move forward in a way that felt right to her.”

Moments like that, Cyndi said, reaffirm her commitment to volunteer.

The challenges people with cancer face behind the scenes

Through her work, Cyndi understands the challenges people with cancer face that may often go unnoticed.

Many of them struggle emotionally as they watch their loved ones react to the diagnosis. Others face financial worries created by medical expenses or lost wages. Transportation to treatment is another source of stress, especially for people who do not have reliable support systems. Even seeking a second opinion – something many people with cancer consider – may feel daunting and stressful, especially for those with new or complex diagnoses.

Cyndi volunteers for programs like ACS CARES and Road To Recovery because they help to ease those burdens.

“ACS CARES is a groundbreaking way to connect volunteers directly with those who need them,” she said. “We help people navigate one of the hardest moments of their lives in a way that’s immediate, personal, and meaningful.”

She often finds that simply listening gives people room to understand their own feelings and find clarity. She also uses her access to ACS resources to share guidance, materials, and links in real time, which helps people find answers quickly during moments of stress.

Healing through helping

Supporting others has also become an important part of Cyndi’s own healing.

“Volunteering sustains hope for me,” she said. “The world can feel overwhelming, but helping someone else lifts my spirits. If I can ease even a tiny bit of someone’s fear or stress, that means everything. It helps me be a better person and honors all the kindness I’ve been shown.”

To someone newly diagnosed, she offers honest reassurance. “Feeling overwhelmed and alone is completely normal,” she said. “Cancer is scary and isolating—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Volunteers like me are ready to accompany you, share what we’ve learned, and support you however we can.”