Name: sixdoves
Address: US
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By Steph Geissinger, Cancer Survivor and Founder, sixdoves, a mission-driven brand delivering comfort and hope to those undergoing cancer treatment.

Today marks six years cancer free—a milestone that still feels surreal.

I'm writing this after the usual chaotic morning rush: getting all the kids up, dressed, fed, and out the door. With my husband traveling for work all week, it's pure survival mode around here (definitely not thriving). The baby was up at midnight, 3 a.m., and 6 a.m. for feedings. Our 3.5-year-old joined me at 6 a.m. for an impromptu dress-up session, and our 2-year-old twins woke up at 6:30 a.m. to join the party. From 6 to 8:30 a.m., it's nonstop: wrangling everyone, brushing teeth and hair, making breakfast, packing lunches and snacks, feeding the dog, cleaning up the toy tornadoes in every room, getting myself ready, and squeezing in a quick FaceTime with Daddy before rushing out by 8:30 a.m.

It's now 9 a.m., my first real sip of coffee in hand, and I can finally breathe. Even in the midst of all this beautiful chaos, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm unbelievably grateful to wake up every day and spend these moments with my kids.

Six years ago, I couldn't have pictured this life. The pre-cancer version of me was focused on a career, travel, and a different kind of "success." Cancer changed everything. I quit my job to stay home and raise my babies, and I thank that chapter for opening my eyes to what truly matters.

A Day I'll Never Forget

February 4th will always be sacred to me. On this day six years ago, I heard the words every patient dreams of: no evidence of disease. No more cancer. The memory still brings a rush of mixed emotions—relief, joy, tears—but mostly overwhelming gratitude.

completed chemotherapy and ringing the bell

Gratitude for my body that fought so hard. Gratitude for my incredible village: my husband, parents, sisters, friends, work family, and God, who carried me through every step.

I'm eternally thankful to be on the other side of this disease and to call myself a cancer survivor. Not a day passes without thinking of those who lost their battles. It's heartbreaking and unfair. Cancer touches everyone in some way, which is exactly why I started sixdoves—to give back, to offer light, hope, and comfort to anyone facing this journey.

The Significance of Six

The number six has always held meaning for me: it was my volleyball number through high school and college, I went through six rounds of chemotherapy, our family grew to six with our daughter's birth in November, and today marks six years of remission.

So here are the top six lessons cancer taught me—principles that now shape how I live every single day:

Be present and in the here and now. Tomorrow isn't promised. I focus on the moment because life can change in an instant. (This one drives my husband a little crazy—I rarely think about the future!)
You can’t slow down time. Time slips away, and no matter how much we wish, we can't get yesterday back. With little kids, this hits hard. The days are long, but the years are so short. Cancer pushed me to leave my full-time job so I wouldn't miss these irreplaceable moments.
Do what makes you happy. Life is short—prioritize your joy. If something isn't fulfilling, change it. Happiness isn't a luxury; it's essential.
Everyone is battling something. Never judge a book by its cover. Cancer opened my eyes: every person carries invisible struggles—cancer, loss, addiction, mental health, infertility, divorce, and more. I lead with grace and empathy now.
Health matters. You get one life—treat your body and mind well. I thought I was "healthy" before my cancer diagnosis at 28. Looking back, I wasn't—late nights, sugar-heavy food, toxins, poor sleep. These past few years, my husband and I have committed to a non-toxic, organic, whole-food lifestyle with exercise and rest. Health is critical to enjoying the life we’ve built.
Your village matters. Who you surround yourself with matters. Things and materials do not. During treatment, the love and support from people—texts, calls, gifts, yoga buddies—meant everything. Your people are your heartbeat. Spend less on stuff and more on experiences with those you love. You'll never regret it.

Looking Forward

Here’s to six years of remission—and God willing, 60+ more cancer-free years.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supported me then and continues to now. I'm beyond lucky to wake up each day, chase my babies around, and pour my heart and soul into sixdoves—helping others find comfort, hope, and healing.