Follow Anunya “Bo” Asavavetin’s journey, where challenges turn into hope, and every struggle sparks courage and personal growth.
Life doesn’t always follow the path we hope. We imagine a future full of certainty, milestones and smooth paths, but sometimes it takes unexpected turns—turns that challenge us, teach us and ultimately redefine what matters most.
That’s the journey of Anunya “Bo” Asavavetin, who transforms challenges and obstacles into opportunities for experiencing new things and has become an inspiration through her work for those with health challenges and for those whose not as well. For this Friday Future Lister edition, Bo shares her story with us, allowing us to be a part of heartfelt tales from those who may be facing struggles. Let’s dive into her journey and discover how she stays positive throughout her path.
A Diary That Inspires Others
“This is Anunya “Bo” Asavavethin, studying in the Faculty of Lung Cancer for the fifth year,”
Bo introduces herself.
“For me, cancer now feels like learning something new every day. Living with stage four cancer has no clear ending; it’s like enrolling in a faculty at university and now I’ve already reached my fifth year. That’s why I call myself a ‘cancer student.’ It adds a touch of lightness when I talk to others, so the conversation doesn’t feel too heavy.”
We begin with a light conversation to ease the mood and atmosphere, as she introduces herself metaphorically as a college student from the Faculty of Lung Cancer. At 26, Bo was diagnosed with cancer while working in the marketing sector. After a year of navigating her diagnosis and treatment, she decided to leave the corporate world to focus on her health.
“During my long stay in hospital, I saw the full cycle of patients from those who recovered and went home to those who didn’t make it. A nurse once told me, ‘If you survive, sharing your experience could be truly helpful.’”
Bo mentions that at first she was too scared to tell anyone outside her family and friends about her diagnosis. The doctor also told her she might have only five years to live, which felt like a restricted frame for her life. But witnessing the cycles of life in the hospital sparked a desire in her to share her story, and pushed her to do something more.
“I’m not the type of person who likes to stay still,”
Bo laughs.
“At first, it wasn’t meant to be educational, as the nurse had suggested. It was simply for me, a way to release my sadness and worries. But somehow it reached people who might be facing challenges like mine, and over time it grew into a community where people could share their experiences and knowledge.”
Bo first began sharing on Facebook by using the platform as a kind of diary to write about her diagnosis. Her openness encouraged audiences to courageously share their own stories with her. From there she expanded to Instagram and TikTok, moving into video content that allowed her to engage more closely with others. Alongside sharing knowledge about cancer and her experiences, Bo also creates content around her lifestyle including travelling, exploring, and offering kind-hearted words to those who follow her.
“I remember one of my followers contacting me to say how inspiring she found my content. She said, ‘If I hadn’t found you and your content, I wouldn’t have had the encouragement to keep going.’ She is also facing the same type of cancer as I am, and at a very young age. It became a conversation where we inspired each other, which was incredibly heartwarming for me.”
Beyond her own social media, Bo has recently taken part in speaking engagements, including a TED Talk, where she shared her perspective on life and encouraged others, saying, “We cannot choose to have cancer, but we can choose to find happiness.” She mentions that it was her first time giving a solo talk on stage and she thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Transforming Obstacles into Strength
In 2024 Bo published her first book called Tummai Rao Tong Gerd Ma Puer Ha Tang Mee Cheevit Yu Tor Pai (loosely translated as ‘Why must we be born just to find a way to keep living’). The story revolves around her experiences from the start, like how she shares her word through social media but now in printed form.
“I’ve always loved writing since I was a child. That’s why I first started creating content on social media. I remember enjoying journalling when I was young. But with this book, it actually took me a year to start writing after the publisher first contacted me. Writing was very difficult, as my mental health wasn’t in the best condition. Still I challenged myself to finish it within three to four months.”
The book stands as a reflection of Bo’s determination, illustrating how her journey and dreams persisted even in the face of immense challenges.
“If someone had told me that I could make a living from my illness, at first it might have seemed strange or uncomfortable. But now I find myself agreeing. Everyone can make use of what they have, and having cancer is nothing to be ashamed of. On the contrary, it has brought countless opportunities and opened new doors for me. I’ve embraced experiences such as appearing on shows, giving interviews and writing a book. These experiences have brought me joy and I’m ready to welcome whatever comes next.”
Living Fully: How Bo Embraces Every Moment
Bo continues to live her life as normally as possible–visiting the hospital for check-ups feels as routine to her as going out, travelling, or attending artsy workshops. As she used to work in the marketing sector, she now also manages the marketing for her brother’s restaurant, Zentiao, a specialty Shanghai noodle, where we are speaking with her today. Throughout her journey, her family has been a constant source of support, standing by her every step of the way.
“I’d like to think that I, Bo, am not defined by lung cancer. I have many aspects to my life and marketing is one of them. I’m very happy to help my family, with my brother and I supporting each other in this way.”
Today she has achieved two of her dreams: becoming a writer and working alongside her family, and her dreams continue to grow. She leaves us with an inspiring message for anyone facing challenges in life, whether big or small.
“First of all, we need to understand ourselves. Feeling afraid of disappointment is completely normal. It’s part of who we are. We have to accept it and allow ourselves to fully experience those emotions, but it’s also important to set boundaries. For example, you might decide, ‘Today I’ll let myself feel sad, but tomorrow I’ll go out and seek happiness.’ Start with something like that and gradually give yourself time to work through your feelings. As a patient your body is in the care of the doctors, but your mind is yours to look after.”
