Meet Diane

Carrie Diane Nathaniel Brooklyn, New York

Diane's Story

My name is Carrie Diane Nathaniel. I am a stage III colon cancer survivor. I am the proud co-founder of Beat Stage 3, an image-conscious cause for cancer fighters and survivors. The name for this company was birthed from my diagnosis and my decision to chronicle my journey through cancer and chemo. At the start of each chemo session I would post a photo of myself with whoever was accompanying me that day. I began to hashtag #Ibeatstage3 on every post. Each completion was a victory even though I felt like giving up because it was torture on my body.

Somehow the term beat stage III gave me life and has now morphed into a brand and service. Beat Stage 3 is an experience and service for cancer fighters and survivors who want to celebrate and commemorate life with an event that reminds them of their beauty inside and out - despite having cancer. Beat Stage 3 is a full-service organization with a glam squad, professional photography, custom made shirts and DJ services. Beat Stage 3 hosted its first survivor's brunch on February 21, 2016. Amarachi Restaurant in Brooklyn graciously allowed me to host this event and all other future cancer events at their venue as their contribution to the fight against cancer. I created this event from a need for a support group that embodied resilience, beauty, laughter, resources for survivorship and encouragement. As I went through my process, I found that groups that supported survivorship were not as available. The survivor's brunch resulted in a new t-shirt design and tagline that was revealed on March 7 - marking my 2-year diagnosis anniversary. I also created “Turn Up Thursdays” when I was going through chemo treatments. Each Thursday, before I started my 48-hour chemo sessions, I would go out to eat at a different restaurant with friends and family. It was a time to eat anything I wanted because I knew that the seven days during and after chemo I would not be able to eat. My oldest and dearest friend is a professional photographer. I was just beginning to lose my hair five months after chemo treatments. Though the doctors told me I wouldn’t lose any hair, based on the cocktail of treatment I was taking, hair fell out anyway. I told my friend how I didn’t feel beautiful and was self-conscious of my appearance. She became very emotional and wanted to know how she could help. She decided to do a photoshoot with me! I was reluctant at first but ultimately decided it would be a good opportunity. On the day of the shoot I was treated like a queen - a reserved car picked me up from my house, took me to my friend’s house in Central Park where I met with a famous makeup artist, a stylist, a lighting assistant and love. I felt powerful, inspired, inspiring, loved, grateful and alive. As an effort to commemorate my completion of chemo I wanted to have a party, so my friend threw me the party of a lifetime. It was held at For My Sweet, an art gallery in Brooklyn. My party was entitled “Celebration of Life”; Diane Nathaniel’s 1st Annual Chemo-Free Bash.” With more than 200 people in attendance I revealed my pictures, had a step and repeat and a signature blue drink. It was a wonderful night filled with love, good food, music, dancing, family and friends. It was so fun, we decided it should be an annual event. I had the idea of doing it for other cancer fighters and survivors and the rest of the team was on board, so here we are, a certified business ready to make people smile.

Why Do You Fight?

In addition to working on Beat Stage 3, I'm a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and speaker at SUNY Downstate Hospital health forums. After my first time speaking at SUNY, someone in the audience made an appointment to be screened that same week. I fight because I am directly affected by cancer and my children are at a higher risk. I want to ensure their safety and future by being an advocate and getting involved in the creation of policies that govern my health. I have lost countless loved ones to this disease. My life could have ended, but I was saved to save others. So I continue and make myself available for others.

JOIN FIGHT CRC

If you’ve been impacted by colorectal cancer, we need you! Join us and use your experience, your story and your voice to create real change. Get started by signing up. Next, see all the ways you can do something about this disease and take steps to get connected with our community. Last, share YOUR story!

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