I found a lump. I was diagnosed on June 25, 2009 with breast cancer at age 39 with no other risk factors. Less than a week later, my surgeon removed my lump and 6 sentinel nodes. The nodes came back clear and the margins of the tumor were clear, but I was a triple negative tumor so I have to have both chemo and radiation. I shaved my head so that the chemo wouldn't have total control of my body. My students needed to see me and know me without the hair before going through the hair loss a month later. I have completed my 2nd chemo so far and I have been motivated by the overwhelming feeling that the positive attitude and the passion for living thankfully is what guides my steps daily. I will continue to fight. I have the most amazing co-workers at the elementary school where I teach first grade and the support from my family is awe inspiring. I have organized a charity pool tournament to help raise money for the breast health center who helped educate me to my tumor, a Grade III Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. But remember this about me: I am not defined by my cancer, my anatomy, or my chemo. I am defined by my passion, my faith, my support and my joy. Know that it is worth every day, every step, every moment, every breath. Love well and live on.

Alecia Dressel
Stapleton, GA