Woman throws 70s-themed ‘cancer-versary’ party in unconventional response to five years of diagnosis

Serious life-threatening diseases like cancer pose numerous challenges, often involving a long and exhausting struggle to recover. However, not everyone responds to a healthcare crisis in the same way. A woman from New England decided to organize a ‘cancerversary,’ inviting forty guests, including loved ones and friends, and living her best life despite the odds not in her favor. The mother of five, named Deltra James, who goes by deltra_does_it on Instagram, was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer at 33, with merely a 12 percent chance of surviving the next five years.

Having recently turned 38 and passed the five-year mark, she deserved a celebration. So, the Connecticut-based mom hosted a party featuring '70s-inspired decor, groovy floral outfits, and classic hits from the era, reported The Washington Post. “I knew I wanted to celebrate this day and making it this far. I just wanted to dance in death’s face,” Deltra told the outlet, reflecting on the challenges of living with the disease.

The ‘cancerversary,’ which Deltra described as her “walking funeral,” featured songs like Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing,” with people dancing to the classic tunes. In a widely circulated video from the celebration, Deltra was seen donning a sparkling black outfit. The triple-negative breast cancer patient showed no signs of sadness or fear; instead, her energy lit up the entire room, bringing smiles to everyone present.

“I've survived a lot these past five years, and I'm very grateful to call myself a survivor. It’s all thanks to how I've moved through hardships and to the amazing people in my life who have stayed by my side. If I'm a fighter, they're my army,” read the caption along with the footage. Deltra has always loved singing and dancing—a passion she continued even after her diagnosis. She serves on Cactus Cancer Society’s YAC advisory board and is the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for Project Life MBC, according to Healthline.

“I feel so popular today,” the 38-year-old said as her phone buzzed throughout the gathering with messages from family and friends. A DJ set that included Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff" and the "Cupid Shuffle" was accompanied by cupcakes topped with mini disco balls at the banquet hall. “I’m still standing better than I ever did, looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid,” Deltra added.

During the celebration, Deltra took the opportunity to thank her guests for coming. “Please share a memory in my memory book right outside the door. I would love to read what you have to say over and over again,” she said from the podium. Celebrating her "cancerversary" filled her with immense joy. Or, as Deltra highlighted, a gentle introduction to her “living funeral,” sparking widespread reactions as social media users empathized with her.

Among the reactions, @trish_newyorkcity commented, “Excited to see it, Deltra. What a show of strength and hope. Well done and well deserved.” “This is fantastic, and it’s inspiring me for my next cancerversary,” @tina.tina.orangina added. Echoing a similar sentiment, @cancerfashionista remarked, “I love and adore you so much and couldn’t possibly be more proud of you.”

You can follow Deltra James (@deltra_does_it) on Instagram for more lifestyle and healthcare content.