This story contains references to domestic abuse. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a free and confidential resource available 24/7 to victims and their families.
Growing up in a blended family with stepsiblings from both sides, Cynthia Cianciotto found herself as the pillar that held her family together. In addition to caring for her family, she had a love for riding horses, which blossomed when she was 5 years old. By age 11, she started her first job cleaning stalls at a stable. In her teenage years, however, Cianciotto said she made mistakes that caused her personal life to fall apart.
“For two years, I was a victim of domestic abuse,” she said. “One night, it escalated. I left and didn’t look back.”
Cianciotto found the courage to rebuild her life, leaning on the support of friends. Her passion for horseback riding served as a guiding light, propelling her forward even in the face of setbacks.
“I told myself I was a fighter and that it’s okay to crumble, but I refused to accept defeat,” she said.
A few years later, she met the man who would become her husband in hopes of starting a new chapter, but not long after, a car crash left him hospitalized, leaving Cianciotto uncertain about their future.
While her husband was in surgery, Cianciotto said she overheard caregivers talk about needing additional hands. Their compassionate care during her husband’s treatment sparked her curiosity about a new career in health care.
Shortly after, she returned to school to pursue a career as a medical assistant and later found an opportunity at AdventHealth Daytona Beach.
“I interviewed with Michelle Sanborn, director of care management at our facility, who instantly lived out our service standard of ‘Love Me,’” she said. “It was also at a crucial time when I needed to provide for my family.”
Today, Cianciotto assists patients in accessing primary and specialized care after their hospital discharge as part of the Transitions of Care Clinic team at her facility.
She draws from her experiences to provide compassionate support, often receiving heartwarming notes from patients who have found solace and strength in her story, including a woman who faced a similar situation of abuse.
“I feel like I have a purpose and an influence,” she said. “I'm one of the first people patients meet when they come in, so I strive to set a positive tone.”
Cianciotto continues to practice her passion of horseback riding. She said this pastime has shaped her life and the lives of those around her, as she uses the horses to facilitate positive changes that can guide them in overcoming obstacles.
“Horseback riding can be an amazing spiritual experience,” she said. “A horse is only as good as its rider. Like other animals, horses want love, security, acceptance and respect. It’s something we as humans also desire.”
Cianciotto’s experiences have emphasized the importance of self-care. She’s learned to prioritize her physical, mental and spiritual well-being through various means, including professional consultation, meditation, boxing and running. She's also accessed the helpful resources provided by AdventHealth.
AdventHealth’s dedication to supporting holistic health extends beyond patients. That’s why the health system’s employee benefits go beyond simply providing insurance. AdventHealth offers access to a range of resources to support the mental health of all team members, such as on-demand mental health support via the Headspace app, spiritual care resources, and free sessions with licensed professionals.
“To someone facing a challenge, I want you to know that it’s okay to embrace your emotions,” she said. “Don’t feel like you always have to put on a brave face, and don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. Learning to ask for help propelled me to get this far in my life.”
Through it all, Cianciotto remains a devoted mother and grandmother, inspiring those around her. This Mental Health Month, she wants to remind others that “there’s always hope, but you must want to love yourself enough and keep pushing to achieve more.”
