Birthday #32

In about 30 minutes I will turn 32 years old! Some people would be thinking, "wow im getting old" or "how will I celebrate this year" but my thoughts are a bit different. I am thinking, "I made it!" I am looking back and reflecting on what has happened in my life these past few years, how much I have changed....how I survived!

While most people would want to celebrate their "birthday weekend" with friends, family and loved ones I found myself wanting to spend time with myself. You see no one but me was there, can understand or reflect on what this birthday really means to me. So this weekend I spent time making cards for the many cancer patients who are still at Dana Farber and other cancer centers around the world. I thought a lot about what they were going through, what fears and hopes were going through their minds and hearts. I spent much time being thankful and hoping that my cards would help the so many who are still in the midst of their cancer battle.

Here I am three years after my original diagnosis with end stage cervical cancer. I have a whole life ahead of me, a much different life than I had planned prior to my diagnosis. I can't help but wonder, who would I be and what would I be doing had cancer never found its way into my life. Such a dramatic and drastic curve ball thrown my way changed everything and will continue to change who I am for the rest of my life. But the point is... I have my life and I will celebrate that with utmost joy and respect. This gift I was given is one I hold close to my heart. I do my very best to make the best of each day, to help others, to love all those around me.

I welcome this 32nd birthday and look forward to an amazing year filled with helping the many who are still fighting cancer!