When Molly Kochan found out her breast cancer was terminal, she decided she would spend her final years living in a way that felt true to her. After more than 15 years in a marriage she felt disconnected from, she made the difficult choice to leave and focus on herself.

Molly’s cancer journey stretched back years. She first discovered a lump in 2005, but doctors dismissed her concerns. Six years later, she finally received the diagnosis. By 2015, the cancer had spread, and she knew her time was limited.

Instead of withdrawing, Molly chose to explore parts of her life she had never understood. Her treatments unexpectedly increased her desire for intimacy, and she used this time to learn what she actually enjoyed — something she said she never understood during her marriage. Her ex-husband, she noted, reacted with kindness and support.

Molly shared her experiences openly, which led to a popular memoir, a hit podcast called Dying For Sex, and eventually a Disney+ series about her journey.

Near the end of her life, Molly posted a final message reflecting on what she had learned. Accepting her death, she wrote, made her appreciate each moment more deeply. She admitted she still had goals and wishes, but knew she could not control her disease — only how she moved through each day.

Molly passed away in 2019, but her story continues to inspire. Her message is simple: even in the hardest moments, we can still choose honesty, joy, and meaning.