After cancer battle, area woman chooses Unstoppable Joy

When local business owner Tonya Agostino was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, her world was rocked.

Life soon became a whirlwind of doctors’ appointments, treatments and decisions that she was ill prepared to make. She found comfort from her family but, like her, they were under extreme stress as they supported her through her cancer journey.

Agostino sought out organizations that could provide resources to help heal her mind, body and spirit, and allow her and her family to find joyful experiences in challenging times. When she could not find anything, she began looking for ways in which she could help herself. While chemotherapy killed her cancer, the products and services she found through her research provided relief, relaxation and peace of mind as she underwent treatment.

When she got the news that she was cancer-free, Agostino was determined to make sure that other local cancer warriors had access to the same resources that helped her to cope with the mental, physical and spiritual trauma she experienced. She founded Unstoppable Joy Co., a 501c3 nonprofit, to provide natural, positive support to warriors diagnosed with cancer of any kind, and to let them know that they are not alone.

Unstoppable Joy Co. helps cancer warriors in multiple ways. The organization is currently working with the Tidal Health System to deliver healing bags to cancer warriors across three sites in the community. These reusable totes are full of feel-good products like bath detox, arnica gel, relaxing shower melts and more. Recipients are also given an inspirational book, “Laughing Through The Ugly,” and other beneficial items such as nutrition information. In addition to its partnership with Tidal Health, Unstoppable Joy Co. regularly ships healing bags upon request to people outside the local community.

The Cape Region has many compassionate and caring service providers who have offered their services to local cancer warriors at free or discounted pricing. Unstoppable Joy Co. schedules these self-care appointments for massage, sound healing, wellness counseling, hair and nails, among others, and will pay for up to two services on top of the free services offered by its partners. It also make these services available to caregivers so they, too, can have a respite from dealing with cancer.

Cancer can be all-consuming. In addition to being physically draining, it also takes a significant mental and emotional toll. Everyone deserves a break. Unstoppable Joy coordinates customized Zen-time activities for cancer warriors and their families, including meals prepared by a personal chef, picnics on the beach, a day at the spa and more.

The nonprofit is seeking continued contributions so it can extend its services and help more people in the surrounding community.

“I started Unstoppable Joy to help my neighbors. Having experienced firsthand what they are going through, I want to be able to assist anyone who is seeking out our services. Cancer is something that touches just about everyone in one way or another. I have faith that this caring community can come together to make sure that we are there for those who need us, and to help lift them up during their darkest hour,” said Agostino.

To learn more or donate, go to unstoppablejoyco.org or contact Tonya Agostino at 410-422-6322 or tonya@unstoppablejoyco.org.