Michelle Hughes first noticed pain under her ribs during pregnancy in 2016, but doctors dismissed it as typical pregnancy discomfort. An ultrasound revealed a harmless liver condition, and she went on to have three children. However, the pain never completely went away, and despite several emergency room visits over the years, tests showed nothing seriously wrong.
Everything shifted in 2021 after Michelle collapsed soon after giving birth to her son. Doctors found tumors in both her lungs and liver. A biopsy diagnosed her with epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE), a rare and incurable cancer. Plans for a transplant were dashed when scans revealed the cancer had spread too extensively.
The diagnosis was devastating, especially as she held her newborn, fearing he might grow up without remembering her. Yet, a sarcoma specialist reminded Michelle that she had already been living with the cancer for years—through pregnancies, stress, and even internal bleeding—which proved her strength. Motivated by this, she found hope, began exercising, and eventually trained to run races again.
By 2024, Michelle completed a full triathlon, with her children waiting for her at the finish line. Sharing her journey through her journal and social media, she now inspires hundreds of thousands. Her priority remains embracing joyful moments daily. Her greatest wish is to see her youngest son start school—and she’s determined to make that happen.