Paws & Perseverance

How fighting cancer and rescuing abandoned animals taught me the true meaning of resilience.

By Robin Joy Verni

I remember the day I went in for my routine mammogram. I almost skipped it that year—I had no family history of breast cancer and dreaded the discomfort. But that small act of follow-through changed my life forever.

Within minutes, the calm atmosphere shifted. The radiologist entered with a serious look and asked if I checked myself for lumps. I did, faithfully, but I never felt anything. Yet, the mammogram revealed one. A biopsy confirmed what I never thought I would hear: breast cancer.

The saving grace was that it had been caught early. Instead of a mastectomy, I underwent a lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy. No chemotherapy was needed. I thought perhaps I had put cancer behind me.

But life had more challenges ahead. Since then, I’ve faced endometrial cancer, a cluster of slow-growing cancer cells, two strokes, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, kidney stones, and most recently, gallbladder surgery. Each diagnosis has changed how I see life.

Recovery taught me to treasure the small things: the warmth of the sun, the comfort of a cat’s purr, the joy of waking up to another day. I learned to measure progress in inches, not miles. Cancer tested me, but it never took away my purpose. If anything, it strengthened it.

Influence on Animal Rescue League

My cancer journey deepened my commitment to the Animal Rescue League (ARL), the nonprofit I founded in Sacramento. ARL is an all-volunteer, no-kill 501(c)(3) rescue group for strays, abandoned, and abused animals. Some are adopted into loving homes. Others—especially seniors—stay with us for life, living out their days in safety and comfort.

Facing my own mortality gave me deeper empathy for these animals. Just as I needed doctors and caregivers, they need someone to fight for them. ARL gives them that second chance.

Surviving cancer reminded me that every living being deserves to feel safe, loved, and not alone. That’s exactly what ARL provides—not just for animals, but for me too.

Comfort from Animals

During treatment and recovery, fear was a constant companion. One moment I’ll never forget was when Koebe, one of our senior cats also undergoing radiation for cancer, climbed into bed with me after one of my sessions. He nestled  against my side, as if he understood. His steady purr became my lullaby, and in that moment, I felt peace.

Caring for the animals kept me going. Even on days when I had little energy, they depended on me for food and comfort. They became my healers and companions. In return, they gave me something priceless: unconditional love. Their resilience gave me strength.

Message to Others Facing Cancer

To anyone newly diagnosed, I want to share what I’ve learned: your life is not over. You don’t get to choose the trials you face, but you can choose how you respond.

To fellow survivors, I say this: find your anchor. For me, it has been the animals and my loving husband. For you, it may be family, art, faith, or community. Hold onto it tightly. Let it carry you when your strength runs low.

And never underestimate hope. Even when it feels far away, hope is what pulls you forward—one step at a time—until you discover that life after cancer can still be meaningful and full.

Resilience in Recovery & Rescue

Resilience is not about being unbreakable. It’s about finding the courage to rise again and again, even when life knocks you down.

I see resilience in myself, but I see it most clearly in the animals we rescue. A cat left behind in an empty house, terrified and starving, can learn to trust again. A malnourished dog trembling at a busy intersection can discover safety. An elderly cat with kidney disease can still enjoy warmth, companionship, and dignity. Watching them heal reminds me that resilience is always possible.

At ARL, resilience is nurtured through routine and love—steady meals, safe shelter, and gentle care. In my own recovery, it has been nurtured the same way: small victories, daily acts of hope, and the decision to never give up.

Rescue and recovery are two sides of the same story—and both have taught me that resilience is not just survival, but a way of living with love and hope.

The Animal Rescue League is accepting donations at ARLcalif.org.