Let me tell you about Olivia Newton-John, the incredible star of Grease. She's been through so much, and now, she's sharing her story with all of us. Recently, Olivia revealed she's battling breast cancer for the second time. In a heartfelt interview with Today, she opened up about her diagnosis and what she doesn't want from her fans, family, and friends.
Olivia is a powerhouse of positivity and strength, and she wants to make one thing crystal clear: don't call her a "survivor." She explained, "A survivor sounds like someone clinging onto a lifeboat, to me. A thriver is someone that’s already off the boat and on land." Olivia’s outlook is inspiring. She's determined not to be just another statistic. "I’m going to be fine," she said confidently. "I will probably deal with this in my life as an ongoing thing. I think you can live with cancer like you can live with other things—if you take care of yourself." Olivia shared that this experience has taught her she's stronger than she ever imagined. "I think most people that go through cancer find that out about themselves," she added.
Olivia, at 68 years old, made a rare public appearance at the Olivia Newton-John Gala in Australia on Friday, Sept. 8. The event was organized by her charity, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer & Research Centre, to celebrate the center's achievements and raise funds. For Olivia, this evening had even more significance because of her recent diagnosis. But she wasn’t about to let cancer take the spotlight. "I’m winning over cancer," she told The Herald Sun. Olivia looked stunning in an androgynous outfit that included a black suit, a crisp white shirt, and lace fingerless gloves. She was joined by her husband, John Easterling, singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, and environmentalist Bindi Irwin, all there to support her.
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During the event, Bindi paid tribute to Olivia's incredible strength. "She is always beaming with love and light and happiness, no matter what challenge she’s faced with," Bindi said to The Herald Sun. "She’s always so strong for everybody." Olivia also opened up during a sit-down interview on Australia’s 60 Minutes, where she shared her battle with cancer. In a teaser for the interview, Olivia told Karl Stefanovic, "Of course it’s scary, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t scary, but I intend to be healthy."
Olivia with her husband, John. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
In May, Olivia's world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer again—25 years after her first battle. The hardest part, she admitted, was breaking the news to her 31-year-old daughter, Chloe Lattanzi. "That wasn’t easy," Olivia confessed to Karl, tearing up during the interview. The full interview will reveal more about Olivia's prognosis. In recent weeks, Olivia has turned to medicinal marijuana to help manage her pain.
As reported by The Sunday Telegraph, Olivia has undergone photon radiation therapy to treat the metastatic tumor found at the base of her spine but is also using cannabis oil as part of her pain management. "I use medicinal cannabis, which is really important for pain and healing," she said. "It’s a plant that has been maligned for so long, and has so many abilities to heal." Olivia plans to use her platform to advocate for the Australian government to make cannabis oil more accessible to those dealing with chronic pain. "I will do what I can to encourage it," she said. "It’s an important part of treatment, and it should be available."
Olivia is choosing to focus on the positives in her journey. "Of course, you have fear. That’s only natural. But my positive outlook is a decision," she explained. "I’d be lying if I didn’t say I have dark moments and negative moments. I’m human. But on a general scale, I tend to see the glass as half full." We’re all rooting for Olivia and sending her our best wishes during this time.
This story was written by Bettina Tyrrell. It originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.
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