We Honor You!

As a two‑time breast cancer survivor, I cannot stress enough how important it is to feel confident in your treatment decisions, trust the team caring for you, and surround yourself with positive support throughout your breast cancer journey.

My journey began in January 2015 at age 42. I had a routine mammogram in December 2014, and everything looked clear. But in early January, I felt a lump in my right breast that needed to be biopsied. I tried to stay optimistic, but I was terrified. I cried through the biopsy.

The next day, right after work, I received the call: the biopsy was positive for breast cancer. I had to pick up my children—Evan, who was 7, and Callie, who was 5—at the bus stop moments later. My world stopped. All I could think was, I won’t see my kids grow up. I called my boyfriend, Michael (now my husband), and the phone went silent. He was in shock too.

I was diagnosed with Stage 1A breast cancer, and everything moved quickly. My care team recommended a double mastectomy with reconstruction, scheduled for a little over a month later.

A few days before surgery, I told my children that I was sick and needed surgery to get better. They were scared, and I tried my best to reassure them that I would fight hard. Inside, I was petrified.

The surgery lasted three hours. When I woke up in my room, Michael was standing by my side. In that moment, I knew he would walk with me through every hard day ahead. He proposed to me in August 2015. My children were relieved when I came home from the hospital—I had fought for them, and for myself.

My oncologist told me my chance of recurrence was only 3%, so no further treatment was recommended. Recovery was long and painful, but I never gave up. 

I believed I had won.

Then, in January 2017, I found another lump—this time hiding behind my right breast implant. My plastic surgeon had to perform the biopsy to avoid puncturing the implant. Once again, it came back positive for Stage 1A breast cancer.

My world shook all over again.

Telling my kids this time was even harder. I couldn’t get the words out without crying. They cried too, and I held them tightly, trying to comfort them while my own heart was breaking. Michael reassured them that I would do everything I could to be okay.

This time, my new oncologist recommended 34 rounds of radiation. It was painful, exhausting, and emotionally draining. But I pushed through. I switched to a more thorough oncologist who guided me through additional testing to help prevent another recurrence. The scars from surgery and radiation became symbols of the battles I had survived.

Today, I am a nine‑year survivor and a warrior.

Every birthday is a gift. Every breath is a gift. Watching my children grow into the incredible people they are becoming is a blessing I never take for granted.

I thank God for carrying me through this journey and giving me the strength to share my story. My purpose now is to help others by offering hope, encouragement, and the reminder to never give up.