For 23 years, Florentina Frunza has been a familiar face at AISB as the Secondary School Executive Administrative Assistant. She’s known for her kindness and the way she helps everyone around her. But when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2021, her life quickly changed. The upcoming months were filled with treatments and emotional challenges , but also moments of strength and support from others. Her story is about finding courage in difficult times and showing that even when things seem impossible it’s important to have hope.

The Bite reached out to Ms. Florentina to tell her story of what she went through after being diagnosed with breast cancer and how she managed to stay strong during a difficult time. Her story matters as it reminds us that even people we see every day may be going through a rough time and how kindness and positivity can make a true difference.

Before the Diagnosis

Before her diagnosis, life for Ms. Florentina felt busy and full. She focused on her work, her family and keeping the school running smoothly. In our interview, she admits she didn’t slow down enough to think about how she was feeling. What she enjoyed most about working at AISB was the community. 

“I love collaborating with people who are passionate, supportive, and always pushing each other to do better,” she says. Helping others, solving problems, and being part of the community kept her going each day.

Hearing the News  

Ms. Florentina’s diagnosis came as a shock. Only six months earlier, all her medical tests had been normal, but she explains, “I suddenly felt something was wrong,” which is why she went back to the doctor.

After repeating all the tests, she found out she had breast cancer.  

Her first reaction was fear and confusion.

“I didn’t understand what was happening to me, or what was coming next. ‘Is this the end?’ was the first question I had.”

Ms. Florentina Frunza

Telling others was hard. Her husband and colleagues noticed immediately that something was wrong. 

“They saw that the smile had disappeared from my face,” she says, “that I was literally lost.” 

They pushed her to keep going and reminded her that she wouldn’t face this alone. 

Hardest Moments 

Chemotherapy was one of the toughest parts of her journey. “The treatment was harsh, aggressive, and left me incapacitated for four to five days after each session,” she said. Radiotherapy added even more physical strain. 

Despite everything, there was a moment when she decided she had to keep going, no matter how difficult it became. “You don’t realize how strong you are,” she says, “until being strong is your only chance.” That thought carried her through some of the hardest days. 

Support Along the Way 

One of the strongest sources of support was her husband. He stayed by her side through every chemo session, every scan, and every step of treatment. She also had other friends and family members who supported her at all times. “They gave me the strength to move forward, and I will be eternally grateful,” she said.

The AISB community also played a huge role. Teachers and students checked on her, encouraged her and made her feel cared for. “I don’t know what I did to deserve their attention, but they were part of my treatment,” she explained. Their kindness helped her get through one of the hardest times of her life. 

“I don’t know what I did to deserve [AISB’s teachers and students’] attention, but they were part of my treatment.”

Ms. Florentina Frunza

Even though Administrative Assistant Anca Scrupa wasn’t working at AISB back during that time period, she has worked very closely with Ms. Florentina for the past three years and sees the same strength that helped her through her illness. “From the very beginning, she guided me with patience and kindness,” Scupra said. “Florentina is warm, caring, and generous, and you can see her inner strength in the calm and positive way she works every day.”

Staying Positive and Helping Others 

Today, Ms. Florentina focuses on taking things one at a time. “Progress, no matter how small, is still progress,” she said. She takes inspiration from others who have gone through their own struggles, and she tries to be a supportive person in the school’s community. When asked how she supports others now, she answered simply, saying: “By the power of example. I try to do my job as best I can.”

Message to Others 

For anyone going through a difficult time Florentina’s advice is to “Let yourself be helped. Ask for support from those around you. There is no shame in that.”

She believes no one should have to face something painful by themselves. “Empathy and compassion are part of human nature,” she says, “and we should practice them as often as we can.” 

If she had to describe her experience in one word, she chose “challenging,” because it was hard but not impossible. And one message she hopes students remember is: “Think fearlessly, act with kindness.” 

Ms. Florentina has been a strong, stable presence in the AISB school community for some time, so if there is a message of gratitude you wish to send back to her, please write it below in the comments section (and of course stop by the Secondary office and tell her in person, too!)