Jess Van Zeil is an Australian author, sportswoman, and adventurer who was diagnosed with Conjunctival Ocular Melanoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer, at just 21 years old. Given the choice between losing her eye or her life, Jess chose survival, and discovered a mindset that carried her from fear into fierce, sassy resilience.
In this episode, Jess joins Cindy Thompson to share the journey behind her book, Eye Won – from the shock of her diagnosis in the middle of a life built on adventure, to the impossible choice she faced, to the principles that helped her navigate fear, loneliness and anger along the way. What emerges is not a story about loss, but one about reclaiming power over it: Jess speaks with candour and humour about rebuilding her identity, and about the now-famous collection of eye patches that have become part of how she tells her story.
Her conversation with Cindy is a reminder that resilience isn’t about avoiding hard things – it’s about what you choose to do with them.
Listen in to hear how Jess turned one of the hardest chapters of her life into a source of strength, humour, and hope for others facing their own battles.
The Resilience Project is a Vancouver Island podcast hosted by counsellor Cindy Thompson, featuring conversations with authors, health professionals, community leaders and everyday people whose stories of resilience, healing and personal growth offer hope, encouragement and practical life lessons. The Resilience Project is part of The PULSE Podcast Community.
The PULSE Community Podcasts can be found at: ThePulseCommunity.ca
Cindy Thompson’s website: cindythompsoncounselling.ca
Learn more about Jess Van Zeil: jessvanzeil.com
You’ll find all episodes of the PULSE Community Podcasts Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, TikTok and YouTube as well as ThePulseCommunity.ca.
Episode Sponsor: Tablet Pharmacy
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