In March 2024, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer-an illness discovered only because ofa fall that led to scans revealing three hidden tumors. I underwent surgery to remove mythyroid and half my parathyroid before the cancer had a chance to spread.Along the way, Ilearned the importance of “neck checks,” a simple but powerful tool for early detection.Most of all, I carry gratitude for the unexpected turn that could have saved my life, forlearning to find strength even in moments that felt overwhelming, and for showing my twoyoung children that even in life’s hardest moments, we can meet them with resilience and hope.

In October of 2018 I was diagnosed withbreastcancer. The cancer would not have beenfound except for my regularly scheduledmammogram. The lump was so close to the chestwall that I didn’t feel it myself. Because of thismammogram, the cancer was diagnosedearly enough for me toonlyneed alumpectomy instead of a fullmastectomy.Theoncologist told me that radiation was needed, and while chemotherapy was a choice, itwasn't considered required. However, taking chemotherapy would lower the chances ofcancer appearing in other parts of the body by about 14%.I chose to dochemotherapybecause I wanted my children to know that I fought this battlewith all weapons possibleand that we should never give up the fight.