Yomarie Miranda
“I share my story to raise awareness, encourage others to seek answers when something doesn’t feel right, and remind fellow cancer patients that they are never alone in their journey… I hope my story reminds others that their voice matters, because it could save their life.”
Yomarie Miranda struggled to get answers to ongoing symptoms and concerns for nearly eight years. She experienced a thyroid storm, a rare and life-threatening condition that can include a high fever, rapid heart rate, and other symptoms, and was diagnosed initially with hyperthyroidism. “I still felt there had to be another answer,” she said. After receiving bloodwork and undergoing surgery, Yomarie finally got her diagnosis: papillary thyroid cancer. “I cried—not because I was diagnosed with cancer, but because after many years of fighting to be heard, someone finally found the answer. It was heartbreaking, but it also validated years of advocating for myself.”
Soon after diagnosis, Yomarie underwent a total thyroidectomy, followed by radioactive iodine treatment. She will receive thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of her life, which has caused emotional and physical challenges, including changes to her voice.
“Cancer affected every part of my life,” she says. “As a mother, veteran, and professional, I had to keep showing up for my family.” She says that the toughest days were “the unknowns—waiting for results, recovering from surgery, and adjusting to life afterward.” Her sons were crucial to her motivation. “My children gave me a reason to keep fighting every day. Now looking back, those difficult days made me stronger than I ever imagined.”
Having faced a difficult path to diagnosis, Yomarie now encourages others with cancer to advocate for themselves, including asking questions and getting a second opinion if necessary: “Never ignore your instincts. You know your body better than anyone else.”
On why cancer research is so important, Yomarie believes that progress for one cancer is progress for all: “Research helps doctors understand cancers that may be difficult to diagnose, allowing more people to receive the right treatment before it’s too late. Every breakthrough means someone else has a better chance at surviving.”
She hopes that others take away strength from her story. “Stand Up To Cancer has inspired millions by sharing real stories that encourage research, awareness, and hope. If my journey helps even one person continue fighting for answers or inspires someone to advocate for themselves, then sharing it is worth it.”
She stands up for herself and her family, those still in treatment and those lost too soon. “I also stand for future generations, with the hope that one day cancer will no longer be a life-changing diagnosis.”
Our Mission
Stand Up To Cancer raises awareness and funds research to detect and treat cancers with the aspiration to cure all patients. Find out how you can get involved.
