I Survived

A Brave and Vibrant True Story of Cancer and Healing

"I don't know what you're doing, but keep doing whatever it is."

These were the words Karita's doctor said to her when she was recovering from Grade IV brain cancer, believed to be incurable.

Instead, the cancer diagnosis with a prognosis of one year or less led Karita to a balanced and full life, fulfillment of dreams, and discovery of her life's purpose. I Survived: A Nordic Woman's Guide to Healing from Cancer follows Karita's journey from her diagnosis to brain surgeries and cytostatic therapy - and, eventually, to an unbelievable recovery.

Karita found the biggest help in the same place as from where the disease originated: within herself. Following her Nordic healing philosophy of what works best must be used, she combined Western medicine, complementary therapies, and lifestyle changes, and was able to make the impossible possible.

"Instead of fear, I focused on hope. Instead of planning my funeral, I planned my healing. I defied my diagnosis. I never googled my life expectancy. I took my health in my own hands and decided that if no one has cured from this type of cancer before, then I simply have to be the first one to do it."

Karita Aaltonen is a wellness educator from Finland on a mission to give hope, offer positive peer support to cancer patients, and share knowledge of holistic healing.

Karita's story is living proof of how taking charge of your own health, giving your body an opportunity to heal, and making use of mental resources allows the body to regenerate and disease to subside. I Survived is a positive and exuberant book for those of us looking to take charge of our own health and pursue a balanced life.