When 24-year-old Giuliana Maggiore, daughter of celebrated Valley Chef Joey Maggiore, received a notification on her phone about her biopsy results, she never expected to read the words "Follicular Lymphoma." In that moment, she did what many would do—she called her dad.
What followed was a journey that would reveal not just the strength within the Maggiore family, but Giuliana's own remarkable resilience and vision for her future.
"I was sick the whole month of December with a cold that would not go away," Giuliana shares.
It started with what seemed like a persistent cold, accompanied by an abnormal lymph node in her groin that continued to grow.
The path from suspicion to diagnosis wasn't swift. There were endless tests to figure things out. Giuliana was diagnosed in January and did not start treatment until March. That period of waiting tested her patience, but Giuliana found strength in her family's embrace.
"My family was so sad and stressed; everyone came to my house and started calling doctors and helping."
The swift mobilization of her support system would become crucial in the days ahead.
Thankfully, Giuliana’s cancer diagnosis was treatable; the plan consisted of 12 sessions of radiation. While many cancer patients find themselves sidelined by treatment, Giuliana made the conscious decision to maintain as much normalcy as possible.
"My daily routine has changed since starting treatment and getting diagnosed," she explains. "I was getting up early every day for my 7 a.m. radiation appointments and hanging out with my mom every day. After radiation, a wave of fatigue would hit me so I would nap for two hours, and then at night, I would go to the gym or spin class."
Spin class emerged as a central theme in Giuliana's story. More than just exercise, the classes became her sanctuary.
"I noticed the days I didn't exercise were always my worst days."
Her diagnosis prompted her to reevaluate not just her schedule, but her entire approach to wellness.
"I have made pretty big changes to my diet. I now eat an anti-inflammatory diet, seed oil free and refined sugar free. I feel so good eating this clean."
This was a significant change for someone whose family has built their legacy in the restaurant industry.
"I do miss eating the foods I loved. I haven't been able to enjoy my family’s restaurants the way I used to, but this is a personal choice."
This approach—taking ownership of her wellness while undergoing medical treatment—reflects Giuliana's proactive mindset. Rather than seeing herself as a passive recipient of care, she has positioned herself as an active participant in her recovery.
“I was always on the go—eating out often, doing spin classes twice a day, and pushing through even when I felt sick. Now I realize rest is just as important as movement.”
One of the most profound impacts of her diagnosis has been on her relationships.
"A lot of my relationships have changed throughout this process. People's true colors really show when you're going through a challenge in life.”
However, her devout family's response has been nothing short of heroic.
"My parents and siblings have put their lives on hold to be there for me and I am so grateful. My parents have been to every single appointment and have done everything to make sure we're doing all the right things. My brother and sister never failed to make me laugh. They do a good job making life feel normal."
Beyond family, Giuliana's friendships have evolved.
"It was really hard for me to tell my friends or talk about it, but when my friends found out, everyone was so supportive."
As Giuliana looks ahead, her passion for spin classes has evolved into something more... a calling.
"I am looking forward to getting back into my normal routine. I had been training to be a spin instructor but took a small break."
Having found strength in exercise during her treatment, she's eager to create that space for others who might be facing their own challenges.
"Even prior to my diagnosis, my main focus has been my health so now my goal is to be as fit and strong as possible.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone newly diagnosed with lymphoma, her response is immediate and heartfelt.
"Keep your head up and do whatever you need to do to make you feel best, whether that means a diet change or a new workout routine to keep yourself motivated. You are not alone."
With her treatment in the past, Giuliana is already thinking about what comes next.
"I want to travel and have fun with my family and friends. I've realized I need to enjoy life and live every day the way that makes me happy. I used to take time for granted, but now time feels more meaningful.”
Yet, there's a sense that this experience, while not one she would have chosen, has given her gifts she couldn't have anticipated—perspective, resilience, and a powerful story to share.
"If I could go back in time and tell myself one thing before all this started, it would be: don't rush to make a lot of decisions.”
As the daughter famed Chef Joey, Giuliana is carving her own path—honoring her family's legacy while embracing her passion for wellness. Now finished with treatment, she awaits answers at her next PET scan in June.
Mack Media Relations Founder and PR powerhouse Robyn Patterson is a candidate for Visionary of the Year, an elite fundraising competition for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Robyn has dedicated her campaign to Guiliana and her fight against lymphoma. The Visionary of the Year campaign concludes May 17th. pages.lls.org/voy/az/az25/rpatterson