"Laughter helped heal my grieving heart!"
Woman's World|November 25, 2024
After losing her mother to breast cancer, then receiving the same devastating diagnosis, Suzette Simon was heartbroken but refused to lose her sense of humor. Soon, she made it her mission to use joy and laughter to help other women find true healing
Gina Roberts-Grey
"Laughter helped heal my grieving heart!"

Strolling out of her annual mammogram on New Year's Eve in 2019, Suzette Simon was full of hope and promise. She was preparing to dive into a new project at work and relax over the holiday break. But just two weeks later, her world was shattered by three words: You have cancer.

As the doctor's words swirled in her mind, Suzette was barely able to focus while she tried to process the news. The diagnosis was especially devastating and frightening after she had watched her mother lose a five-year battle with breast cancer in 1990.

Only 20 years old at the time, Suzette felt helpless as her mother's life was cut short by the disease. Now, 30 years later, she was terrified she was on the same path.

Spreading love

Suzette had been heartbroken after losing her mother. But instead of allowing fear and grief to overtake her life, she turned to the one thing she always knew could lift her spirits-making people laugh. As far back as she could remember, Suzette had a passion for entertaining, comedy and seeing the joy light up the faces of her family, friends and co-workers. She felt most alive when she was able to help brighten dark days and lift their spirits.

Working as a TV producer and casting director, Suzette was able to combine her professional experience with her love for humor. She began utilizing stand-up comedy routines, storytelling and breast cancer awareness song parodies to help her through her grief after her mother's passing.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN'S WORLDView all
Find autumn magic in Holland!
Woman's World

Find autumn magic in Holland!

Picturesque landscapes, cozy eateries, stunning nature views and friendly locals ensure this Michigan gem has all the makings of a perfect seasonal getaway!

time-read
1 min  |
November 25, 2024
"I've earned a lot of credit card rewards over the year. I'd like them to help cover holiday costs, but I'm not sure if I should use them for gifts or travel. What are my best options?"
Woman's World

"I've earned a lot of credit card rewards over the year. I'd like them to help cover holiday costs, but I'm not sure if I should use them for gifts or travel. What are my best options?"

With the holidays fast approaching, it's a smart strategy to use cash back, points and miles to help pay for gifts and travel expenses. But it can be hard knowing how to spend them. One reason is that each type has a different monetary value. For example, cash back is worth the dollar amount you earn with each purchase, while points and miles vary in value depending on how you redeem them. Here, Emily Thompson, a credit card rewards expert for ThePointsGuy.​com, shares simple tips to help you pinpoint your best options.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 25, 2024
Small-space secrets to a big Thanksgiving!
Woman's World

Small-space secrets to a big Thanksgiving!

Make more room for your holiday feast with these simple tricks!

time-read
1 min  |
November 25, 2024
"The best has just begun!"
Woman's World

"The best has just begun!"

Patti LaBelle's distinctive voice and dynamic presence have captivated audiences for more than six decades. But beyond her music, a passion for cooking and love of family have defined her journey. And at 80 years young, the 'Godmother of Soul' is nowhere near slowing down. Here, Patti shares what's next-and her favorite holiday hacks!

time-read
3 mins  |
November 25, 2024
"Help! The holidays are so stressful!”
Woman's World

"Help! The holidays are so stressful!”

A staggering 89% of Americans feel overwhelmed over the holidays. Here, experts share a few simple ways to trade argh for ahh this season

time-read
2 mins  |
November 25, 2024
"Laughter helped heal my grieving heart!"
Woman's World

"Laughter helped heal my grieving heart!"

After losing her mother to breast cancer, then receiving the same devastating diagnosis, Suzette Simon was heartbroken but refused to lose her sense of humor. Soon, she made it her mission to use joy and laughter to help other women find true healing

time-read
3 mins  |
November 25, 2024
Easiest-ever stress busters
Woman's World

Easiest-ever stress busters

Find yourself feeling a little on edge or stressed out during the hectic holiday season? Research reveals these simple tricks help calm anxiety, worry and overwhelm without the need to overhaul your already-busy life.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 25, 2024
How to ease a painful gout flare-up
Woman's World

How to ease a painful gout flare-up

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup in the joints, says rheumatologist Brittany Panico, D.O. It causes pain in the big toe, knees, wrists and fingers. \"As we age, kidney function may decline, making it harder for the body to filter out uric acid,\" Dr. Panico says. When a gout flare-up occurs, these tips help

time-read
1 min  |
November 25, 2024
Make your bath the ultimate health booster
Woman's World

Make your bath the ultimate health booster

Turns out a nightly soak can improve your health. How? It lowers your blood pressure, tames stress hormones and improves your sleep. And these simple tweaks supercharge your bath's health-boosting effects

time-read
1 min  |
November 25, 2024
Secret to healthy aging
Woman's World

Secret to healthy aging

We all want to live longer, but we also want to stay active and independent as time goes by. The key to both: giving cellular structures called telomeres a little TLC. Located on the tips of DNA strands, telomeres defend cells against aging and help tissues regenerate and repair. And Danish research reveals keeping telomeres in shape optimizes energy, muscle strength and mobility. While telomeres shorten over time, here's how to keep them long and healthy

time-read
1 min  |
November 25, 2024