On October 13, 2013, I spoke to an audience about my story. The audience was a room filled with women--mostly breast cancer survivors and those with breast cancer--at this year's annual 50 Shades of Pink Luncheon. I was moved by the beautiful spirits that lit up the room. It's both fascinating and incredible how I find myself growing stronger every time I step outside of my comfort zone.
I have to thank Dr. Jackie Walters for inviting me to be a part of this amazing event. When she asked me to speak, I told her I would let her know. (I was really scared as hell to get up and tell my story). I sucked it up and stopped thinking about my fear. Instead, I chose to focus on the positive. I started thinking about how my experience could touch the lives of others. I thought, "If my story helps inspire one person in this room, then I am serving my purpose." That thought threw fear out of the window as I settled in at the mic. Here are some pictures from that fantastic event.
This year has been a roller coaster ride that I've never been on and have no clue of what's coming next. When someone told me 2013 was my year, they weren't kidding.
October is breast cancer awareness month, and the world is talking about something my life has been affected by the last 10 years. My mom is a three-time survivor (yes, she beat cancer's ass three times!). I feel truly blessed to be able to say I am a nine-month survivor and am healthier than I've ever been in my life today! It's important that we understand that early detection is key, and breast cancer is not a death sentence. As my survivor sister Jaquitta Williams would say, "I'm still here!"
