In this episode of Perspectives: Unwrapping Transformation, we sit with Valerie DeCosta, a woman living with terminal cancer who refuses to let her diagnosis define her story. Valerie lives with the daily awareness that time is fragile, yet she chooses to walk in purpose—not fear.
Her journey has been marked by disappointments and tough circumstances: tumultuous marriages, the absence of a warm father, and the weight of raising children on her own. Still, Valerie has always persevered with purpose, refusing to let hardship harden her heart.
Today, she gives her life to serving others—not to be remembered as the woman who outlived cancer, but as the woman who lived and loved with intention. Her guiding light is clear: to provide for others, to lead with compassion, and to leave a legacy of service.
This conversation is raw, honest, and unforgettable. Valerie reminds us that while the alarm clock of life may one day go off, what matters most is how we spend the moments we have—anchored in purpose, grounded in love, and determined to make our days count.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.