“One of the most emotional moments after being diagnosed with breast cancer was telling my parents and children,” Brandi Huyser recalls. As the initial shock from the diagnosis began to settle for her and her husband, she turned her attention to sharing the news.
Staying positive was a conscious choice, but facing her family was challenging. No parent wants to deliver such heavy truths, she thought, and no child should have to carry that kind of worry. She saw it as a moment that underscored the fragility of life — and the strength that her faith, love and community can provide.
“I was committed to a healthy lifestyle, thinking I was doing everything right,” Huyser said. “It’s shocking how cancer knows no boundaries; it can touch anyone, at any time. I was not going to give it life —I was going to rise to face it.”
After sharing the news through tears and heartfelt conversations, Huyser focused on understanding. Hearing the word “cancer” is incredibly intimidating, she said. To confront the fear, she leaned into knowledge: immersing herself in the diagnosis, exploring treatment options and seeking insight from doctors, loved ones and friends who had walked a similar path. Every conversation, every fact, every story helped her feel more empowered — and less alone.
“Understanding brought me peace,” Huyser reflects. “Once I recognized the inner strength I had, and the real possibility of recovery, I knew I had to commit to treatment and focus on healing.”
During treatment, Brandi followed her medical team’s guidance while also diving into her own research. As Vice President of Global Nutrition Marketing at Amway, she has decades of experience in discerning credible information from marketing spin. “You have to be careful,” she cautions. “Not everything with a sensational headline is rooted in truth.” Aware of the risks of online misinformation, particularly in moments of vulnerability — Huyser approached her diagnosis with a critical eye. For her, knowledge became a source of empowerment, helping her navigate the journey with confidence.
“There are so many unreliable sources out there — some trying to sell you something, others just amplifying noise,” she said. Through careful research and trusted conversations, she found clarity. “When you seek out credible information, you begin to replace fear with understanding. That’s where hope lives.”
To gain deeper insights into cancer, Huyser turned to a trusted source close to home: Van Andel Institute. As a longtime supporter and JBoard Ambassador, she was familiar with the Institute’s mission, but her diagnosis gave her a new lens through which to view its work. She always admired VAI’s biomedical research and science education, but now, every discovery felt personal.
“I felt more confident knowing scientists are working to understand cancer and other diseases at every level,” Huyser said. “That kind of work has the power to help all of us live longer and healthier. Learning about biomedical research gives you the clarity to support your own journey with strength and purpose. Truth brings hope.”
Huyser’s treatment was successful, but her pursuit of health and knowledge continues. In a world flooded with health advice from social media and podcasts, she has become a passionate advocate for science-backed information.
“It’s easy to get swept up in a flashy biohacker video,” she said. “But science-backed proof isn’t instant; it takes time, effort and resources. That’s why institutions like Van Andel Institute matter. Their commitment to high-quality research provides clarity in a noisy world and gives us knowledge we can trust — and hope we can build on.”