Woman Beats Cancer 3 Times After Diagnosis at Age 13

Most teenagers worry about fitting in, but Della Howarth was fighting for her life. At 13, doctors discovered she had fibrosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that attacks soft tissue.

The battle was long and brutal. Over the next seven years, Howarth endured seven major surgeries as the cancer returned three times. By age 14, doctors had to perform a severe amputation to save her life.

But Howarth refused to let cancer define her story. She survived each setback with determination, holding onto what she describes as a deep appreciation for "the joy of life." That outlook carried her through decades of medical challenges most people never face.

Today, Howarth is in her 70s and living in Fallbrook, California, with her daughter. She recently reflected on her six decades since that first diagnosis, a milestone few could have predicted when she was that scared teenager in a hospital bed.

Why This Inspires

Howarth's story reminds us that surviving isn't the same as thriving, but she chose both. After facing death multiple times before graduating high school, she built a life filled with family, purpose, and gratitude. Her journey shows that our darkest moments can become the foundation for our greatest strength.

When asked about her survival, Howarth said simply, "I had a lot to live for." That conviction, formed in the face of overwhelming odds, carried her through every surgery, every setback, and every moment of fear.

Now she shares her story not as a tragedy, but as a testament to human resilience. Six decades later, the girl who fought cancer three times is enjoying life with the daughter who gets to call her Mom.

Every day Howarth wakes up is a victory 60 years in the making.