Women Inspire Courage: In "Courageous Women," twelve women share their experiences with a diagnosis of gynecological cancer. Representing thousands of women, they tell their stories and share their experiences with the illness. The twelve women in this book have chosen to be very open about their condition. They aim to inspire others who may be going through a difficult time themselves. Their stories could not be more different – and yet they share so much in common: The diagnosis struck like lightning. For a moment that felt like an eternity, time stood still. They could no longer hear what the doctor was saying – the shock was too great. And then – out of nowhere – this tormenting question arises: "How much longer do I have? Do I have to die?" The answer that would "make everything right" does not come; it cannot come. The women were robbed of the carefree nature of life and have since had to learn to navigate a rollercoaster of emotions. Yet they managed not to get lost in the "cancer routine" – not to lose themselves. Even though some days, weeks, months, and even years demanded everything from them – and some still do. They set goals, both near and far, to keep hope alive and refused to let the threatening aspects rob them of their joy in life. Speaking with these women, hearing their stories, and experiencing their strength and beauty in words and images is deeply moving and impressive.