Ashley Park Opens Up About Her Cancer Battle and Inspiring Others
Actress Ashley Park, best known for her roles in Emily in Paris and Mean Girls on Broadway, recently shared her experience of battling cancer and how it impacted her life. The 32-year-old actress was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at the age of 15 but has been free of the disease for several years now.
In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Park revealed that her cancer battle was the most selfish time of her life. She found it difficult to have everyone she cared about solely focused on her, but she also recognizes the inspiration her journey can bring to others. She stated, People say, ‘You’re a hero for surviving.’ But that was probably the most selfish time of my life because I had to have everybody I care about only thinking about me. And I really don’t like that. But then I realize surviving [cancer] and then working hard to thrive and be happy after that is an inspiration for people.
Park also shared her belief in alternative medicine due to concerns about fertility issues caused by pharmaceutical treatments recommended by doctors during her cancer treatment. She emphasized the power of holistic medicine and the importance of prioritizing mental health. Park explained to Women’s Health, It’s not that I’m skeptical of pharmaceuticals – I love an Advil – but because of the cancer experience, I’ve also realized how amazing holistic medicine can be. The doctors said, ‘You might have fertility problems, you might have…’ I was like, let’s stop there. The mind is so powerful that as soon as we think something’s a possibility, it manifests it. I’ve finally learned the power of a mental health break. In my 20s, I thought of vacations as, you can travel and do exciting things. It’s shifted to vacation being alone time.
While Park doesn’t mind discussing her cancer battle, she doesn’t want the illness to define her. She expressed her appreciation when she’s not asked to talk about her experience or how it has shaped her life. She revealed to Cosmopolitan, I never wanted to be just the Asian girl, just the ‘whatever’ girl, and then I got to 16 and was the bald girl and the sick girl. I didn’t want to know that I might be infertile or that my heart might stop working or any of that stuff because once you say it, you’re thinking about it. Even though my body beat the disease, if I let it change anything, it’s won.
Ashley Park’s openness about her cancer battle and her determination to live a fulfilling life after overcoming the disease provides inspiration and hope to many. She acknowledges the challenges she faced during her treatment but also emphasizes the importance of mental health and holistic approaches to well-being. Through her story, Park is encouraging others to prioritize their own health and happiness.
It is clear that Ashley Park’s journey has shaped her perspective and approach to life. She has become a symbol of strength and resilience, recognizing that surviving cancer is just the beginning. Her positive outlook and determination to thrive serve as an inspiration to countless individuals who may be facing their own struggles.
As Ashley Park continues to shine in her career and share her experiences, she reminds us all of the power of resilience and the ability to transform adversity into strength. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit and the importance of finding joy and purpose even in the face of life’s most challenging moments.
