Kavita Rai: From battling Hodgkin lymphoma in college to advocating for better healthcare, Kavita’s story exemplifies resilience and empowerment.

Table of Contents

A Shocking Diagnosis

Fresh out of her first semester in college, where she was majoring in health policy, Kavita Rai faced an unexpected challenge: a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma.

However, the disease did not just challenge her physically—it reshaped her perspective on life.

“I became a lot more considerate of how I was going to show up for myself,” Kavita reflects.

She quickly realized the importance of self-care, compassion, and inner strength, adding:

“I found ways to bring joy, slowness, and thoughtfulness to myself — because cancer or not, we need those things to survive. I re-imagined what belief could do in all aspects of my life, including the spaces I occupy.”

Refusing to be Defined by a Single Story

For Kavita, her journey through cancer treatment provided profound insights into her identity and potential.

“In terms of how I live life, I do not want to be put in a box,” she asserts passionately. She hopes to inspire the youth with an unyielding spirit: “I hope I can send a message to young people that you can be many things all at once.”

Advocacy in Healthcare

One of the transformative realizations for Kavita during her battle was recognizing the power and necessity of advocating for oneself.

“One of the hardest things I had to learn was becoming an advocate for my health,” she admits.

Her frustration stems from the realization that many women feel isolated in their healthcare journeys.

“It frustrates me that so many women are alone in this process.”

Kavita’s experiences as a cancer survivor have given her a unique perspective and drive to make a change in the world.

“I feel lucky to be able to design my life based on the impact I want to make in improving other people’s health,” she states with determination.

Post-Graduation: A Time of Discovery

Life’s uncertainties and challenges post-graduation can be daunting for many, but Kavita is embracing this phase with a hopeful mindset.

“Post-grad is a scary time where people are figuring out what they care about and questioning everything. Right now, I am allowing myself to see what I can do.”

In her journey from a college student to a cancer survivor and now an activist and entrepreneur, Kavita Rai continues to inspire many with her resilience, determination, and vision for a healthier world.