"I didn't expect the cancer to fix everything."

Many of us sit on cruise control through life, and it can be hard for people to find true perspective on both the fragility and the beauty of being alive until either something earth shattering happens or we are faced with our own mortality. Andres Varela spent most of his life from teen years struggling through depression, so when he was told by the doctor at only 30 years old that he had stage 3 colorectal cancer he didn't react like most others would, "If I had received the news of my cancer alone, I probably would have just let it take me." 

Fortunately, Andres was not alone when he visited the doctor that day and he agreed to an aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment plan. Three surgeries later, Andres is now free of Colorectal Cancer, but of course living with a very different digestive system in place of what most of us have. 

Looking for the "little wins" as he calls it, Andres is an inspiration, although he wouldn't say that of himself. He moves through each day seeking out the moments of joy that will elevate himself and those around him. He hasn't let go of the pain he went through because it helps in driving him to live a much more fulfilled and consciously present life.