Living Abroad with Cancer: Marla’s Story of Resilience in Spain

For the past three and a half years, Marla (53) has called Valencia, Spain, her home. In this episode, Marla gives us an in-depth look at how a rare cancer diagnosis a few months after moving to Spain changed the direction that she thought her “refresh” would take. Along with immersing herself in Spanish culture, Marla is working on her memoir about overcoming adversity with grace and humor. She’s traveled to 40 countries and lived in various parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. She has been a professional fundraiser, event planner, freelance writer, and English as a Second Language teacher. Marla has been a part of the She Hit Refresh community since 2018. She first appeared on the podcast in 2022 and shared how she's navigated some of the many curveballs thrown her way. IN THIS VIDEO: - Marla's experience receiving a rare cancer diagnosis just months after moving to Spain - How she's navigating the Spanish public healthcare system with a chronic illness - Parallels Marla finds between facing a health crisis and moving abroad - How living in Spain has impacted her wellness journey - Advice for women over 30 considering moving abroad, especially those with a chronic illness MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: Finding Opportunity in Adversity with Marla Stein | Ep 41 - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3LRkNwTYFlCLO6HH1Ijhb5?si=FyzRgGjaST-y9aybWZ11-w Connect with Marla at marla.elizabeth.writer@gmail.com 🍿WATCH NEXT What Life Abroad Really Looks Like 4 Years In, with Lori L. Tharps - https://youtu.be/bFOiMRF6OnA RESOURCES FOR FUTURE EXPATS 💃🏽 She Hit Refresh Facebook group: Join our thriving community of over 17,000 women age 30+: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shehitrefresh/ ✈️ Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass: A four-day live training covering the essential steps to moving abroad, from visa options to mindset work. Join the waitlist at https://shehitrefresh.com/masterclass. 👯‍♀️ Refresher’s Lounge: A paid membership community for women actively planning their move abroad, offering ongoing support, resources, and a close-knit community. Join the waitlist at https://shehitrefresh.com/lounge. 📖 Updated Visa Guide to Europe: “I’m Outta Here! An American’s Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe” covers 19 countries and 50+ visa options! Your purchase of this digital book includes lifetime access to updates. If you're looking to move to Europe, get your copy at https://shehitrefresh.com/visaguide. ⭐️ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR, INTERNATIONAL LIVING! ⭐️ A big thank you goes out to our sponsor, International Living! Check them out for resources on retiring abroad, including: 🌏 International Living: How to Move Out of the US Workshop https://signup.internationalliving.com/2406413 🇪🇸 Cost of Living in Spain in 2025: Rent, Daily Costs, and Where to Live https://youtu.be/hGw2-ECRs0c?si=u4luIHvRHLbTGX5R EXTRA RESOURCES 💻 List of 25 Work From Anywhere Companies https://shehitrefresh.com/workfromanywhere 🚀 Move Abroad After 30 Guide https://shehitrefresh.com/moveabroadguide 👩🏻‍💻 STAY CONNECTED Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@SheHitRefresh Website: https://shehitrefresh.com/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shehitrefresh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shehitrefresh/ 📧 NEWSLETTER Get even more tips and resources on how to move abroad: https://shehitrefresh.com/newsletter #livingabroad #expatlife #valenciaspain