“I knew breast cancer was out there but really thought only people much older could get it. I mean at 38 you don’t even get mammograms yet. I had no idea there were different types and what a diagnosis really entailed.”
Breast Cancer Grad- Vida
“Finding a new normal is not so easy. I try to live above the fear it leaves you in, and to slow the rush I feel to experience as much life as possible. Now if I had others around me that wanted to experience as many things, new foods and new places as me then game would be on!!! But for me the fear doesn’t lessen as time goes on like you think it would; it grows… retreats…hibernates…comes back out.”
Breast Cancer Grad- Anna
"I tried to focus on what I was grateful for. I had my amazing and supportive husband, my adorable puppy and a community if loving friends/family surrounding me. I felt inspired by my blog, which helped give me perspective and refocus my grief into goals. I also worked more on 'choosing happiness' instead of waiting for it to come to me. I finally realized that I was in control of my own emotions."
Breast Cancer Grad- Kim Angell
"I struggled a lot with the fear of recurrence and being lost in limbo once my treatments ended. I no longer had this security blanket wrapped around me which left me feeling vulnerable. I began sharing my story on social media and connecting with other survivors who made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my battle. It was so inspiring to see how much these women were thriving and enjoying life despite everything they had been through."
Breast Cancer Grad- Emily Williams
"Cancer may have thrown a wrench in my 'past' life, but it also created a new beginning- corny but true. It’s like there’s a BC (before cancer) and AC (after cancer). I’m still that person I was before, just wiser now, more carefree, and braver. I’m more willing to take risks and do things that scare me, like travel alone or speak in front of a crowd. I feel more like the real me- it’s so crazy but true."
Breast Cancer Grad- Alison Hinch
Breast Cancer Grad- Dana Donofree
"I will say, I wish I started [emotional] therapy earlier. I always felt I was never “ready.” I was always trying to be strong; thinking I had to deal with everything on my own. This world is big, it’s complex, and you need help to navigate it. You can't always get that from your loved ones. Having someone else as the sounding board helping me work through my feelings and emotions, my anger and fear, has been incredibly healing. Asking for help doesn't make you weak, it makes you stronger."
Breast Cancer Grad-Heidi Kelly
"Take it easy, don’t push yourself too hard, your body will tell you what you can do. Talk about it, I let a lot of people in and met a lot of great people and helped some because I was so open about it. And live your life. Don’t let this stop you from doing whatever you want. You still can. I started a business. My husband and I travel as much as we can. You never know what will happen tomorrow, so don’t put it off."
