Abby Cohen, the former wife of rugby legend Ben Cohen, has recently opened up about her ongoing battle with cancer. The 44-year-old professional photographer, who shares twin daughters with Ben, took to Instagram to share her emotional journey, revealing that she was diagnosed after experiencing just one symptom. Abby’s story is not just one of personal struggle, but also of resilience and courage in the face of life’s toughest challenges.
Abby Cohen’s Cancer Diagnosis: A Brave Revelation
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Abby Cohen shared the emotional rollercoaster she has been on since her cancer diagnosis. The post, which included a video documenting her experience, shows her walking into the hospital, undergoing tests, and being supported by her loved ones, including her twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle, who are now 15 years old. Throughout the video, Abby is seen wearing a stoma bag, a reminder of the physical toll cancer has taken on her body.
What stands out in Abby’s message is her gratitude for the National Health Service (NHS), whom she credits with saving her life during her most vulnerable moments. She expressed deep appreciation for the medical care she received, especially when she was feeling “so scared and most vulnerable.” Abby’s story highlights the importance of paying attention to one’s body and never ignoring any warning signs, no matter how small they may seem.
The Importance of Listening to Your Body
Abby Cohen’s experience serves as a powerful reminder to never ignore your body’s signals. In her post, she candidly mentioned that she had only experienced one symptom before seeking medical attention. While she did not reveal the specifics of her diagnosis or the location of the cancer, she made it clear that her early action gave her a fighting chance to battle the disease.
“This was and is the toughest yet,” Abby wrote, acknowledging the immense challenges of her cancer battle. She went on to emphasize how fortunate she feels to have caught the disease in its early stages, allowing her to begin treatment promptly. Her advice to her followers was simple but impactful: “Never ignore your body when it’s trying to warn you.” Abby’s words have resonated with many, encouraging others to seek medical advice even when the symptoms seem minor.
A Mother Supported by Her Daughters
Throughout her treatment, Abby has found strength in her family, particularly her twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle. The video she shared on Instagram features several touching moments of her daughters supporting her during hospital visits, a testament to the deep bond they share.
Ben Cohen, Abby’s ex-husband and former England rugby player, has also been supportive. Although the couple divorced in 2014 after 11 years of marriage, Abby has always spoken highly of Ben as a father. She has praised him for being a “fantastic hands-on father” to their daughters, even after the end of their marriage.
Abby Cohen’s New Life After Divorce
In 2020, Abby publicly revealed her new relationship with her partner, David. After years of being labeled “Ben’s ex-wife,” Abby expressed her desire to move on from that identity and be known for her own achievements and strengths. “I want to be known as ‘Abby the good photographer’ or ‘Abby the great mum,’” she said in an interview, highlighting her personal growth and resilience.
Her relationship with David has provided her with additional support during her cancer journey. Abby has described him as a loving partner, and his presence in her life has been a source of comfort as she battles the disease. Abby’s story is not just one of survival but also of transformation, as she continues to redefine herself beyond her past relationship and embrace a new chapter in her life.
Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff: A New Chapter for Both
Ben Cohen, on the other hand, found love with his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff after his split from Abby. The two were partnered on the show in 2013, and their relationship became public after Ben and Abby’s divorce. Ben and Kristina welcomed a daughter, Mila, in 2016, adding a new chapter to Ben’s life as a father of three.
Despite their separation, Abby and Ben have maintained a cordial relationship, especially when it comes to co-parenting their daughters. Abby has never hesitated to praise Ben for his role as a dedicated father, demonstrating the strength of their post-divorce relationship.
Abby Cohen’s Message to Cancer Survivors
Abby Cohen’s journey has inspired many, especially those battling cancer themselves. Her openness about her experience, from the physical challenges to the emotional toll, has provided comfort to others facing similar struggles. Her advice to “listen to your body” has already made an impact, with several of her followers sharing their own stories of cancer diagnosis and treatment in response to her post.
Abby’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, even in the face of life-threatening illness. With the support of her family, friends, and medical professionals, Abby remains hopeful that her battle with cancer will one day be a distant memory. She continues to live life with optimism, focusing on her recovery and the love of her daughters.
Conclusion
Abby Cohen’s cancer diagnosis is a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be, but her resilience and strength serve as an inspiration to many. As she continues to navigate her journey through treatment, her message to others is clear: never ignore your body’s signals, and always seek help when something feels wrong. With the unwavering support of her family and her own determination, Abby is not only fighting cancer but also embracing a new life of strength, hope, and love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What kind of cancer does Abby Cohen have?
Abby Cohen has not disclosed the specific type of cancer she is battling. She mentioned that she had only one symptom before seeking medical attention but chose not to reveal the exact details of her diagnosis.
2. How many children do Ben and Abby Cohen have?
Ben and Abby Cohen share twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle, who are currently 15 years old. Ben also has a younger daughter, Mila, with his current partner, Kristina Rihanoff.
3. How has Abby Cohen’s family supported her during her cancer battle?
Abby’s twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle, have been by her side throughout her treatment. Abby has also expressed gratitude to her new partner, David, and the rest of her family for their unwavering support during this difficult time.
4. How does Abby Cohen feel about her ex-husband, Ben Cohen?
Despite their divorce, Abby has spoken highly of Ben Cohen as a father, calling him a “fantastic hands-on father” to their daughters. They continue to maintain a positive co-parenting relationship.
5. What is Abby Cohen’s advice to others regarding health and cancer?
Abby’s advice is to “never ignore your body.” She emphasized the importance of paying attention to any warning signs, no matter how small, as early detection can be crucial in battling serious illnesses like cancer.