When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer my sister and I were her personal nurse and social worker cheering her on "you can do it, we need you!" In my career as a social worker, I have often cheered people in similar health crisis on, with very little understanding on a personal level what exactly it would feel like to walk a mile in their shoes. Little did I know that I'd experience the same thing only two years after mom. Thankfully our doctor felt it was important both my sister and I were checked early. I'll never forget the day those words left the doctors mouth, "it's cancer." I remember thinking "are you kidding me, I have children who need me" My youngest one was only 5, my other two 15 and 18. In a matter of moments, my world changed forever. At the age of 39, a single parent of three amazing children who needed me to be me, I embarked on an adventure that changed my life, our lives forever. No longer do I sweat the small stuff. Each day is a blessing to behold. Now with the surgery and treatments behind me and 4 years in the clear, (my mom also a 6th year survivor) I look forward to continuing to be a part of my loved ones lives, and the lives of other women touched by this terrifying diagnosis. In the words of my doctor, "it's a diagnosis, not a death sentence" and I intend to live my life as such, a little more wary and health conscious, a little more mindful, and a lot more grateful for every day I wake up to see the faces of my three amazing kids! Stay strong and believe!

Jackie
Pawling, NY