In Her Words: Christine Anastos

After 34 years as an environmental engineer committed to protecting public health, Christine Anastos received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2016 that would change the course of her life — and ultimately, the lives of countless others. Now 55 and with no evidence of disease, the Arlington, MA–based founder and CEO of Connect & Thrive, Public Benefit Corporation (CAT) is using her journey to uplift and empower those navigating cancer.

What began as a deeply personal mission to heal — physically, emotionally and spiritually — grew into CAT: a social impact company providing access to integrative therapies and building community through curated support and innovative crowdfunding. Christine’s story is one of self-advocacy, purpose and transformation.

“I am no longer waiting for someday. I am living today,” she shares — a powerful reminder of what it means to live with intention and create change from within.

To learn more about Christine’s diagnosis, the inspiration behind CAT, and how she's redefining the healing journey for women across the country, read the full interview below.

Name: Christine Anastos

Age:55

Location: Arlington, MA

Current Health Status: In Remission

 

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Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I am an environmental engineer and the Founder and CEO of Connect & Thrive, Public Benefit Corporation (CAT). I have spent 34 years working on environmental and public health issues, and my professional path has always reflected a deep drive to protect others. I live just outside Boston and find joy in nature, from the ocean to the mountains, especially when I am out with my beloved dog, Aurora. I also treasure my role as “Auntie” to my two nieces, Alexandria and Anastasia, and take pride in being someone those around me and in my community can count on. I have an insatiable desire for adventure and travel, near and far.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2016 at the age of 46. It was ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) that had spread into the breast tissue. I had no family history or genetic predisposition for breast cancer. I learned that my cancer was likely due to "environmental factors," which infuriated me since I had worked as an environmental engineer for decades.

What were your first thoughts when you were diagnosed?

Incredibly, my first reaction was not shock, but relief. I had been advocating for myself for six months since I did not feel well and my concerns were repeatedly dismissed. One of my doctors even suggested that I see a psychiatrist. When I was finally diagnosed, I felt validated. I knew that something was wrong, and now I had something tangible to address and I was eager to begin treatment and make important changes in my mind, body, and spirit. I have a very strong faith in God and trusted that there was a greater reason for my diagnosis and that the work I needed to do was to figure out precisely what this was.

How did your friends and family take the news?

My friends and family were extraordinarily supportive and they taught me that asking for and accepting help are signs of strength, not weakness.

I chose to undergo conventional treatment and was treated at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston by an incredible team. My treatment included a lumpectomy (with clean margins), followed by radiation and hormone therapy. I also accessed integrative care through Dana-Farber's Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living, which was essential to my overall well-being and instrumental in my decision to create CAT to ensure that individuals across the country could engage in evidence-based healing modalities.

No, I was fortunate not to have to work while undergoing treatment. That time was spent learning how to show up for myself in ways I had never done before, with intention toward bringing my mind, body, and spirit into alignment (since they were not).

How did you find the best care?

I was initially diagnosed at a local hospital, but made the decision to seek treatment at Dana-Farber. I chose Dana-Farber because of the exceptional team that was assembled to treat me and the confidence I had in a care plan that incorporated cutting-edge research. This was a pivotal moment in my life, and I knew it was time to truly prioritize my own healing. I also took full advantage of the offerings at the Zakim Center, which played an essential role in my physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. The combination of world-class medical treatment and comprehensive integrative support made Dana-Farber the best possible place for me to begin my healing journey, which is ongoing.

Have you received any additional support or alternative therapies?

Absolutely. I engaged in integrative therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, detoxification, expressive arts, forest bathing/hiking, healthy eating, massage, meditation, mindfulness, Reiki, sound music healing, walking, and yoga.

Who have been your biggest supporters and make up your cancer tribe?

My beloved dog, Windy, a Black Labrador Retriever, was a source of constant love and comfort; she was with me when I was diagnosed. Now Aurora, also a Black Lab, fills this role. My cancer tribe is made up of the people who showed up, held space, and never let me forget my worth. I cherish deep and meaningful connections over the superficial, and I am profoundly grateful to have surrounded myself with people who lead with love and walk beside me with intention.

Being dismissed for months before finally receiving my diagnosis reinforced what I learned while watching over my mother — the importance of healthcare advocacy. It also opened my eyes to systemic failures that many women face as well as the socioeconomic barriers to excellent care that continue to enrage me. That experience continues to fuel my work today.

I wish that I understood that caring for oneself, physically, was not enough and that I needed to view food as medicine and pay attention to what I put into my body. "The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or it can be the slowest form of poison." ~Ann Wigmore

Absolutely. "Living in the moment could be the meaning of life." This is something that I had never really practiced and when I received my diagnosis, I made a conscious decision to try to move to this place. Admittedly, my journey is still ongoing. This mantra is reflected in Dana-Farber’s dynamic Zebrafish Display, which contains personal inscriptions and on-screen messages honoring patients, caregivers, and loved ones. I was fortunate that a friend of mine donated one in my honor and I visit it each time that I go to Dana-Farber as a reminder of my commitment to myself.

You are not alone. Your diagnosis does not define you. Accept help. Trust your instincts. Hold tight to those who show up for you and release what no longer serves you.

What I am most proud of is that this journey resulted in the creation of CAT — a groundbreaking, heart-centered social impact company dedicated to uplifting cancer previvors, patients, thrivers, and caregivers by empowering them to embark on their healing journeys with confidence and hope. Connext & Thrive taps into the generosity of friends and family through its unique crowdfunding campaigns, affectionately known as KittyFunds^TM. These funds allow patients to access a carefully curated Marketplace, where trusted partners offer evidence-based healing modalities and healthy living products not typically covered by insurance. At its core, CAT's mission is simple yet powerful: to help women connect with a supportive community so they can truly thrive.

I no longer take anything for granted. I am more intentional about how I spend my time and energy. I try to live with purpose. I have also come to understand that healing is not a destination. It is a journey that requires effort, fortitude, and grace.

I am softer, more open, and far more accepting — and determined to make a positive difference in the lives of those who are suffering. I am no longer waiting for someday. I am living today!