This year marks the second year of Anchored in Hope – Lake Norrell, and I walk with even more gratitude than I did before.
I am a 26-year breast cancer survivor, and I know without a doubt that early detection played a major role in my survival. But I also know that throughout every frightening, uncertain part of that journey, God carried me.
My faith gave me strength when I was scared, hope when the future felt uncertain, and peace when I needed it most. Twenty-six years later, I am still here, and I thank God for every year, every season, and every day He has given me.
I walk because I want other women to have that same chance at life.
I walk to encourage women to know their bodies, do regular self-breast exams, schedule their mammograms, and never put off getting something checked.
I also walk because the money raised for Susan G. Komen does so much more than many people realize. It helps women and families with real needs during treatment — transportation, lodging, financial assistance, support services, grants, and help removing barriers that might otherwise keep someone from getting the care they need.
No woman should lose her life because she cannot afford a ride to treatment, a place to stay, or the help she needs along the way.
My first Race for the Cure touched me deeply. Standing among survivors, families, and people walking in memory of loved ones made me realize just how many lives breast cancer touches. I have never forgotten that feeling.
So I walk with gratitude for my own life.
I walk for the women fighting today.
I walk for the families walking beside them.
I walk in memory of those we have lost.
And I walk in faith, believing that God can use even the hardest parts of our stories to bring hope to someone else.
I am 26 years blessed to still be here. And I walk thanking God for every one of them.
