My Story
This is my second year of joining the Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk. I am dedicated to Komen's mission of ending breast cancer forever, and I need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today in support of my fundraising efforts.
I am doing this walk not only myself but for all my Pink sisters. On November 17th 2022, my life changed forever. As I was getting my nails done when I got the call. You have Invasive Ductile Carcinoma. I was in complete shock and at a loss for words. My nail lady asked me if I was ok, all I could say was I did not know. From that point on all the thoughts and questions ran through my mind. I wanted to be alone; I did not want to tell anyone. Although I knew I had to tell those closets to me, my husband, parents, siblings, daughter, best friend and my two grandchildren. Once I told them, I was not going to tell anyone else, I didn’t want people coming out of the woodwork. Eventually, we had to make it public. But I had the attitude that I wasn’t going to listen to any negativity, and I was going to kick this. Negativity was one thing I didn’t need. Especially with all the thoughts and what ifs going through my head.
I went through different tests, lots of appointments, a lot of hurry up and waiting. January 3rd, 2023 was surgery day. We chose to do a lumpectomy; I was able to come home the same day. 6 to 8 weeks of external healing, and a year to 18 months of internal healing. That does not touch the mental and emotional toll this journey takes on a person. Then to go through 5 weeks of radiation, side effects and a hormone blocker for 5 years. Almost 3 years down, 2 to go!
As of today, I have regular mammograms along with physical exams. See my oncologist every 6 months. I consider myself a warrior, survivor, and cancer free! This journey was and is not an easy one. But with constant encouragement, love and support from my family and friends. I keep going, even on the rough days. I believe that attitude and positive support truly helped me get through my journey. My husband was one my biggest fans. On bad days he would tell me we got this, keep your eye on the prize. Our closets are full of pink t-shirts and hoodies. Him and his boss challenged each other. The whole month of October they wear pink every day. My husband posts on social media, little quotes about fighting, no one fights alone and being supportive. To give back our business sells pink t-shirts and hoodies, and we donate a portion to a local foundation that helps cancer patients. We want to help and support others on their journey.
On this journey I have crossed paths with some amazing strong warriors and survivors. My motto from day one "REFUSE TO SINK"
I went through different tests, lots of appointments, a lot of hurry up and waiting. January 3rd, 2023 was surgery day. We chose to do a lumpectomy; I was able to come home the same day. 6 to 8 weeks of external healing, and a year to 18 months of internal healing. That does not touch the mental and emotional toll this journey takes on a person. Then to go through 5 weeks of radiation, side effects and a hormone blocker for 5 years. Almost 3 years down, 2 to go!
As of today, I have regular mammograms along with physical exams. See my oncologist every 6 months. I consider myself a warrior, survivor, and cancer free! This journey was and is not an easy one. But with constant encouragement, love and support from my family and friends. I keep going, even on the rough days. I believe that attitude and positive support truly helped me get through my journey. My husband was one my biggest fans. On bad days he would tell me we got this, keep your eye on the prize. Our closets are full of pink t-shirts and hoodies. Him and his boss challenged each other. The whole month of October they wear pink every day. My husband posts on social media, little quotes about fighting, no one fights alone and being supportive. To give back our business sells pink t-shirts and hoodies, and we donate a portion to a local foundation that helps cancer patients. We want to help and support others on their journey.
On this journey I have crossed paths with some amazing strong warriors and survivors. My motto from day one "REFUSE TO SINK"
Your support helps us get one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Funds raised help support breakthrough research and provide assistance to those facing breast cancer today who need our support. Whether it’s emotional support via Komen’s helpline, financial support through Komen’s financial assistance program, or navigation services to break down barriers to care, Komen will be there for them.
Ending breast cancer needs all of us, and your generosity can make a real difference. Together, let’s show breast cancer patients there’s a whole community standing by their side.
Will you please join me in this fight by making your donation today?
