So many people inspire me and keep me going. My husband, Matt; my four children, Matthew, Katy, Nathan, and Samuel; my family; my friends; my coworkers; and my patients. All of these people keep me motivated during my battle with Stage IV breast cancer and never let me stop believing. My husband, children, and family give me reason to go on and not give up. They honestly keep me to busy and donʼt give me time to be sick. Seeing my patients working hard in their therapy to maintain their independence and return home is also inspiring. If my elderly clients can fight and believe, why canʼt I? My friends, co-workers, church, and football families have also been an inspiration to me in the way they have unconditionally provided love, caring, and support. The things that they have done make me want to be a more loving and generous person that gives back to my community.

At this point in my life with my terminal diagnosis, I feel at peace everyday. Iʼve had lots of time to think during my tests and treatment. Are there things that I wish I could have done differently? Yes. But I canʼt change the past and am at peace with the way I have lived my life, raised my children, treated people, and in the person I have become.

I was a stubborn child-still am. This often got me in trouble, but kept my self esteem high. In high school I felt I had it all. I was in the best shape of my life, athletic, and had good grades. I feel that I had good self esteem at that point in my life. In college, it was a whole new world. I still had good grades, but i stopped exercising, ate junk food, and found myself in an abusive relationship. I blamed myself and even burned myself a few times as punishment. The relationship ended with a “knock down drag out” physical fight where I was kicked in the face and choked. That was a wake up call! From that point on I said “This is it. I am worth more than this!” Although I still struggle with my weight, I am confident in myself. I try to be a good, generous person on the inside and feel that reflects in the outside. Do I still have “down” moments? Yes! I wish I could be more active and keep up with everyone. And when I thought that I was going to lose my hair, I didnʼt know what I would do. But, I just smile. go on, and figure out who I can help that may be struggling more than me. This makes appreciate all I have. I hope that my helping others helps inspire others and makes them feel good. I know by helping them, they make me feel good and help raise self esteem.

I feel that I am still working on achieving my personal triumph. As I stated before, I have Stage IV breast cancer. I was diagnosed in August 2010 forced to take a leave from my work as an occupational therapist. I have always been a healthy person who only needed to see the doctor for checkups and pregnancies, so this was a shock, especially with no family history. On top of it all. the type of breast cancer that I have is rare, the hardest to treat and is incurable at this point. I receive chemotherapy weekly (2 weeks on and 1 week off) with and experimental drug twice a week. I have also been through radiation to 4 spots. I have triumphed with minimal side effects. I feel great and so far my scans have been wonderful with everything shrinking and now spreading. I feel that this has happened because of my mantra, “BELIEVE!” I donʼt believe in hoping. Hoping leave room for negative. I have place my life in Godʼs hands and believe firmly that he will sustain me! This is how my childhood stubbornness has paid off today. The only missing piece is the ability to return to work I plan on returning in March and am ecstatic!

I gain my inner strength from God, my husband, my children, my family, and my friends. They are what inspire me to go on.

If I would have known that I was going to be diagnosed with terminal cancer at age 39, I wouldnʼt have sweated the small stuff. I would have enjoyed every moment more with those I love. I would have slowed down and spent more time with my family and friends. I would have spent less time being angry with myself and others and loved everyone more. I know I canʼt get these moments back, so I make sure I make the most of each moment now.

BELIEVE, stay positive, have faith, and appreciate and honor those who want to help you. See the positive in each moment and be appreciative. (Itʼs also okay to cry and scream occasionally!)

I learned that my family and I are loved and appreciated in the community and for us that is hard to accept. We have always volunteered and bee active in church. I have worked with many families through my position as an occupational therapist. My husband has worked with the football program for seven years and I am their number one supporter. Immediately after I was diagnosed, the support flowed. Cards, words, and monetary donation poured in. Our football family invaded our house and remodeled the bathroom and made repairs. My work family donated time and monetary donations beyond belief. This was overwhelming and hard to accept for my husband and I. We are the givers. It is difficult to accept assistance. But I have learned that I

must have done something good in my life and I am worth it. I has inspired us to “pay it forward” even more.