My life, has been very affected by cancer. I was diagnosed in 2009 with metastatic breast cancer. I will be on some form of treatment for the rest of my life.
Then in July of 2011, my husband, was diagnosed with leukemia. He lived with courage and strength, through a year of chemotherapy and a subsequent bone marrow transplant. On September 6th, 2012, my dear,sweet, best friend, greatest supporter, and love, died.
In December of 2014, my 3 year old granddaughter was diagnosed with a rare cancer. She went through surgery, radiation and chemo. It is difficult seeing another family member, and a child at that, go through treatment for cancer. She is now doing very well. But it was terrible to watch a little one go through so much.
While I don't believe I will be healed because of a positive attitude, I do believe it makes my days better. I have learned that finding reasons to laugh, and spending time with people I love, as well counting my blessings, increases my quality of life. I know how lucky I am to still be here and to have support, steady income, and health insurance, while living with cancer. I am a nurse, and enjoy taking care of others. So, it’s important I find ways to do just that.
I approached Aaron Snider about creating a unique piece of jewelry, with a Ribbon to represent Hope. I also wanted Tears, to acknowledge and represent that a diagnosis of cancer, as well as other illnesses or conditions, is sad and painful, and sometimes there is loss. So, the Ribbon of Hope & Tears was my concept and vision, and Aaron’s creation of a beautiful keepsake to suit many stories.
My goal for the Ribbon of Hope & Tears is to make a difference, by having a portion of the proceeds donated to local organizations that help patients, as well as donating to research for cancer treatments, and a cure.
I’m hoping that there will be many treatments available to keep me alive until there is a cure. The reality is, that probably will not happen. But while I can, I will be an advocate for myself and others living with, and dying of cancer. I'm not living the life I imagined. I am not living the life that I chose. But, as changes happen, and they always do, I am blessed, and I am living the life I have been given.
Then in July of 2011, my husband, was diagnosed with leukemia. He lived with courage and strength, through a year of chemotherapy and a subsequent bone marrow transplant. On September 6th, 2012, my dear,sweet, best friend, greatest supporter, and love, died.
In December of 2014, my 3 year old granddaughter was diagnosed with a rare cancer. She went through surgery, radiation and chemo. It is difficult seeing another family member, and a child at that, go through treatment for cancer. She is now doing very well. But it was terrible to watch a little one go through so much.
While I don't believe I will be healed because of a positive attitude, I do believe it makes my days better. I have learned that finding reasons to laugh, and spending time with people I love, as well counting my blessings, increases my quality of life. I know how lucky I am to still be here and to have support, steady income, and health insurance, while living with cancer. I am a nurse, and enjoy taking care of others. So, it’s important I find ways to do just that.
I approached Aaron Snider about creating a unique piece of jewelry, with a Ribbon to represent Hope. I also wanted Tears, to acknowledge and represent that a diagnosis of cancer, as well as other illnesses or conditions, is sad and painful, and sometimes there is loss. So, the Ribbon of Hope & Tears was my concept and vision, and Aaron’s creation of a beautiful keepsake to suit many stories.
My goal for the Ribbon of Hope & Tears is to make a difference, by having a portion of the proceeds donated to local organizations that help patients, as well as donating to research for cancer treatments, and a cure.
I’m hoping that there will be many treatments available to keep me alive until there is a cure. The reality is, that probably will not happen. But while I can, I will be an advocate for myself and others living with, and dying of cancer. I'm not living the life I imagined. I am not living the life that I chose. But, as changes happen, and they always do, I am blessed, and I am living the life I have been given.