Actor and author Lisa Ray shares her story on overcoming her cancer diagnosis and emphasizes her identity beyond being a data point

Lisa Ray, a Canadian-Indian actor and model, opens up about her battle with multiple myeloma, a rare type of cancer, in a recent interview. Diagnosed in 2009 at the age of 37, Lisa was given a prognosis of only five years to live. Reflecting on the impact of the diagnosis, she states, “Cancer is one of those things that you somehow think will never hit you. But when it actually affects you personally, it hits deep.”

Lisa recently spoke at the Pink Warriors event in Dubai, organized by HEALTH Magazine, to raise awareness about breast cancer. She highlights the importance of prioritizing personal health and well-being, which is often overlooked due to societal pressures. Despite facing challenges, Lisa has been a trailblazer in openly discussing her diagnosis, breaking the taboo surrounding serious illnesses in the South Asian community.

Drawing inspiration from the breast cancer movement, Lisa realized the transformative power of awareness and community support. By going public with her diagnosis, she aimed to redirect the conversation and celebrate survivors. This newfound authenticity allowed her to embrace her true self and ignore the judgments that come with being a celebrity.

Speaking about her journey, Lisa acknowledges the profound shift in perspective that comes with a cancer diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of finding purpose beyond personal struggles, as it brings strength and resilience. Inspired by the breast cancer movement, Lisa believes that similar outcomes can be achieved for multiple myeloma, which is often overlooked.

On the work front, Lisa was last seen in the Indian web series “Four More Shots Please!” However, she currently enjoys her time in Dubai with her family. While open to future opportunities, Lisa states that any project would have to be “pretty special” to capture her attention.

Lisa’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of community support and raising awareness. By sharing her journey and advocating for women’s health, she hopes to drive meaningful change and inspire others to find their purpose.