So here we are, it's October and it's Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

I have hardly given it much thought, but this year is a milestone and one that needs to be acknowledged!  25 years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I will never forget the doctor on the phone saying, "it's a good thing we did a biopsy because it came back malignant"! WHAT! Then he launched into "you will need surgery, chemo and radiation."

Just like that, my life changed in an instant.  I was way too busy to have time for all of that. I had a 9 year old son who needed me, I had weddings and mitzvahs to photograph, a business to run. I was in the midst of a new relationship talking about marriage and having more children. Yet, I needed to slow down and make room for this regimen.  One of the hardest parts was losing my hair. Instead of waiting for it to all fall out, I had my son shave my head. It was empowering.

Fast forward 25 years and my life is filled with so much richness and joy! I went on to get re married in 2002, we were blessed to have two daughters (2004 & 2006) and most of all I have been cancer free!  

Life is filled with so many challenges and bumps along the way. We can let them crush us or we can face them head on and power through them.  Trust me, I am so happy to be on the other side of that challenging year. So grateful for everyone that rallied around me and kept me laughing. I truly feel like I have had two lives and I wouldn't want it any other way.

So ladies, go get that mammogram and stop complaining that it hurts!  

With love and gratitude!

Theresa