Living Life to the Fullest

One year ago today, I began the fight of my life.  On September 29, 2011, I received my first infusion at Winship Cancer Center.  And, although it was one of the most difficult days of my life, I look back on it with gratitude ... feeling thankful for the guidance I was given by God and the many blessings I have experienced since ...

One of those blessings came in an extremely large package, weighing in at approximately 220,000 tons ...

Allure of the Seas

Earlier this month, my family and I had the pleasure of spending seven days aboard the most amazing cruise ship in the world ... Allure of the Seas.  Of course, I could go on and on about the seventeen decks of magnificence, the beautiful places we visited, and the FUN we had ... but what matters most is this ...

Us

Maddie & Andrew

We had the opportunity to spend a wonderful week together ... making memories!  And, as every cancer survivor knows, there is just nothing more important than living life to the fullest and sharing it with the ones we love the most ...

So, here's to September 29, 2012 ... a year later and LOVING every minute ...

Survivor Circle

Almost a year ago, I stood at the Closing Ceremonies of the Atlanta 3-Day and took this picture ...

And, in my "The Power of Pink" post last October, I wrote this ...

"Next year, at this time, I will walk ... I will stand on that podium ... and I will begin my life as a SURVIVOR!"

Well, this afternoon, I received an email with an invitation to be a part of Opening and Closing Ceremonies.  Of course, feeling amazingly honored, I accepted ...

So, in just a few short weeks, my wonderful Princess Warrior team and I will embark on a journey unlike anything we have ever experienced.  We will walk 60 miles in three days ... among thousands of other men and women.  And, I will have the opportunity to represent my incredible family, my amazing team, and the millions of breast cancer survivors as I carry the "Commitment" flag into Survivor Circle ... symbolizing our determination to finding a cure in our lifetime ...

What an honor ... need I say more?

Bald & Beautiful

No matter who you are, a breast cancer diagnosis is amazingly difficult.  The only way to make it through is with the love and support of family and friends ...

This afternoon, I was brought to tears by this photograph ...

Summer Holt Miller & Kellie Pickler

Kellie Picker's dear friend, Summer Holt Miller, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of only 36.  Summer will endure her first round of chemotherapy tomorrow.  In an amazing display of friendship, Kellie joined Summer in preparing for her inevitable hair loss ... together they shaved their heads ...

Honestly, I can't think of anything more amazing ... 

Here's to Kellie Pickler ...

Summer Holt Miller's Online Journal

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/summermiller/journal

Stand

As I move further and further away from my diagnosis, I can't help but find myself living in fear ... wondering if I'll be alright.  It is in those moments that this song brings me back ... reminding me that, even when times are tough, I am strong ... 

Rascal Flatts - Stand

Someday, I hope to be able to put this experience behind me ... for good!  For now, I must find the emotional strength to stand in hope, rather than to crumble in fear.  I must remind myself, each and every day, that the odds are in MY favor and that God has absolutely brought me through this ...