Michelle Hughes lived for years with a persistent ache beneath her ribs, first appearing during pregnancy with her first child. Despite routine scans, doctors believed the cause to be a harmless liver cyst. Life moved forward—Michelle became a mother of three, balancing family, work, and a lingering discomfort that never fully disappeared. But shortly after giving birth to her third child, she collapsed at home. That moment led to a series of tests that finally uncovered the truth: Michelle had been living with a rare, incurable cancer—EHE—for five years, undetected.
The diagnosis of Stage 4 Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma (EHE) was devastating. With cancer already spread throughout her lungs, liver, and even her leg, Michelle learned she was not a candidate for a liver transplant. Doctors were cautious with predictions, but one thing was clear: her illness had been quietly progressing for years. Instead of retreating into fear, Michelle began searching for hope—eventually connecting with a specialist who had treated patients just like her. That meeting shifted her outlook from survival to living fully, despite the unknowns.
Determined to make the most of her time, Michelle turned to fitness—starting with walks, then short runs, eventually completing triathlons. She shared her journey on social media, not to inspire, but to create memories for her children. Her unfiltered posts quickly gained attention, growing into a supportive online community centered around finding moments of joy in difficult times. With humor, honesty, and fierce love for her family, Michelle redefined what it means to thrive while living with a terminal illness.
Now living with her family in Prince Edward Island, Michelle continues to prioritize connection, presence, and purpose. She tracks each week since her diagnosis as a celebration, not a countdown, and has created a “living list” filled with meaningful, everyday goals—like watching her youngest start kindergarten. Her story is not just about illness; it’s about resilience, motherhood, and finding light even in the darkest places.