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As a healthcare provider, I never imagined that one day I would be diagnosed with breast cancer. I see my self as a healthy individual who exercises, enjoys college football and basketball, and loves spending time with family. Jump back 5 years, I was diagnosed December 12, 2019. I had one son in college and another son getting married the next year. I was devastated. My oldest son jumped on a plane from KY the night I got my pathology report so he could be with us all in NC. Within 1 month, I had my lumpectomy and then 6 weeks later I started radiation. I was blessed to be spared of chemotherapy. I met the most amazing people during my treatments. Cried, talked and listened as people shared their journey with me. My oncology team at Levine Cancer Center in Charlotte, NC was top notch.

I am diligent about taking my hormone suppressing medication and following up with my breast specialist.

Now, I have a different journey as a Family Medicine Physician Assistant…. to be sure that all women understand the importance of that yearly mammogram. No one is excluded from the risk of breast cancer. Some women say to me “I have no family history” and my response to them is ” I didn’t either, now I am the family history.”

My husband, Tim, was so supportive and lifted me up on my dark days. My sons, Jacob and Cameron, checked on me regularly and made sure that I knew they would do anything for me. Cameron shaved his head before my surgery in hopes that I would not have to do chemo. Jacob missed a class to see me ring the bell on that last day of radiation.

I love life! I feel I have so much to look forward to in the years to come. I am blessed. My husband buys everything pink for me from my ear buds to the salt and pepper shakers.

Last year was my first year doing PTP. The most amazing experience of my life. The hardest thing I have ever done but made me realize the amazing women and men who fight this disease, beat this disease and care for those of us who have had this disease. 30 miles is worth every step to help people with cancer.

I am doing this for me, my family, my daughter-in-laws, my granddaughters, my friends, and my patients in hopes that this dreadful disease will not impact another family. Mammograms matter, mammograms saved me. I am thankful. As I tell people about my breast cancer I always say… “It’s not the journey I chose, it was the journey I was given!” I made me a better person, a better mother, a better friend, a better wife, and a better medical provider.