Rewiring Hope: From Diagnosis to a Life Reclaimed | Olivia Gega | TEDxUniversiteitVanAmsterdam
When Olivia Gega was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer at just 23, her world collapsed into a blur of fear and disbelief. But in the silence of that devastating moment, she began to rewire her thinking — and her life. In this raw and powerful talk, Olivia shares how she turned inward, faced her darkest fears, and emerged with a new mindset. Through her personal framework — Recognise, Reframe, Switch — she invites us all to see life not as a fixed path, but as something we can consciously reshape. Her story is not just about surviving cancer — it’s about reclaiming power, presence, and the will to truly live.At just 25 years old, Olivia has lived across multiple countries, including Albania, Italy, Israel, US, and the Netherlands, constantly seeking growth and new perspectives. She began this journey at 15, moving abroad to pursue her education. After earning her bachelor’s in Business specialising in Finance and a master’s in International Business and Trade Economics in the Netherlands, she now works as an operational manager in hospitality. As a public advocate for cancer patients, Olivia has developed a cancer connect platform in Albania, sharing her journey to inspire hope and resilience. An avid paraglider since the age of 14, she balances her adventurous spirit with her dedication to animal welfare through her non-profit, which helps stray animals in need. In her TEDx talk, she will explore how we can reprogram our minds to cultivate positive scenarios and outcomes, empowering others to create brighter futures. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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