I was diagnosed with a malignant,(in-operable) grade 3 Astrosytoma on December 11, 1998.

It was a relief in a way, I finally knew what was wrong with me. Months of unexplained, untreatable headaches, double vision, which made it very difficult to feed a baby his food, two mouths to choose from, (haha). I can laugh now.

It all seems so long ago, but not really, as I keep my radiation mask on the wall adorned with beads that I have collected over the years. A reminder, that it could have all ended so differently.

I want to help, to encourage, to be there for someone who has no one. It is so very important for me to pay it forward. I have to talk to people and share my story to give hope where there is none and to be the shoulder to cry on when needed, cause it happens.

I changed the “Why Me” to “Why Not Me”.  I had three beautiful children to live for, great support and a loving family. I was strong and nothing was going to defeat me! I did and do have faith but never push it on people, they make their own choice there.

My cancer also, gave me the courage and strength to divorce my husband and carry on with a new baby on the way … it changed my life. I am happily re-married now and have a very good, cancer-free life. I suppose I could exercise a little more but there are more important things, like coffee!! Haha.

I thank God and the doctors for my life and my baby girl who will be 10 tomorrow!