Tuesday, July 17, 2012

2 years - Thank you, Cancer

Thursday marks 2 years since my breast cancer diagnosis!



As I sat last night thinking about everything that has happened in my life in the last 24 months, I was overwhelmed with gratitude.



I know 'Survivors' who still have a hard time on their diagnosis anniversary (and I get that!), but I can't help thinking about the good that has happened in my life as a direct result of it.



- I know that all the women I love remember to do their monthly checks and get their mammograms.



- I wake up every day with an appreciation for the life I have. It's the everyday things that I used to take for granted that I now have the ability to step back and really thank God for.



- My relationships with my family and friends are so much stronger. I realized how important it is to tell them how much they mean to me.



- My faith is stronger than it's ever been. I've really dug into scripture over the past year.



- I'm involved with the American Cancer Society and the Susan G Komen 3 Day now. I've spoken at meetings and been a flag carrier in Survivor's circle.



- I've met, friended, and became part of an amazing online community on Twitter known as the 3 Day Tweep. I've never met a more incredible group of people.


- One of those girls (Tonya) has become one of my closest friends. Even though we live several hours apart, we talk all the time.



- I've also met an amazing group of my girls in my town who have decided to participate in the Chicago 3 Day this year. Elizabeth and Jen are fellow survivors. I know I am blessed to call these incredible women (Brooke, Emily, Elizabeth, and Jen) my friends.



So, as I reflect back, I'm proud to say I kicked cancer's ass, and I am also incredibly thankful for all it brought to my life in the process.