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An excerpt from Sharon's story:

"With my diagnosis, I was fortunate in the sense that although having cancer was scary, it was stage one, could be treated and that would hopefully be the end of it. I didn’t need chemo or radiation. I look back on that time in my life and it’s a blur. Between all of my appointments, helping my kids and everything else, I don’t remember much. Maybe it’s my body’s way of protecting me from what I went through - I don’t know. What I do know is that my family inspires me every day to be a better person - to handle difficult situations with grace and humor and to find some joy in every day.

In the beginning of my story, I was in the dark blue water and unable to reach the surface. There was also this awful dark cloud that I felt was over my family. Now, after some reflection, I realize the dark cloud was a passing storm and although other storms have come my way, they haven’t stayed forever. Having cancer changed me as a woman and as a person. It changed how I see the world and my attitude about everything.

My wisdom for the world:

• Don’t neglect your health or put off appointments
• Allow yourself to be photographed
• Mental health is just as important as physical health
• Find a therapist you trust"

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An excerpt from Pam's Story:

"There’s a new energy in the air making watching a summer thunderstorm magical. Hot water vapor in the air hugs my skin and drapes my body in a loving embrace, honeysuckle summer air, and living alongside loving people with good food, laughter, and joy is my new normal. It’s a lens few can see through, a perspective shift I’m privileged to enjoy the rest of my life.

Different, what I see and feel now embodies love and peace. Looking back, I remember what happened last year, sick with heartache as it was bred by intoxication with the present. I’m sad Mom passed, but I’m smiling because what we had is as rare as a four-leaf clover.

Today the water is calm at the ocean’s edge. So, if the whole world is shaking and nothing feels right, know wherever I am no matter how far, I’ll never fail to navigate the waters and feel empowered at its embrace. Today I found a piece of home at my ocean’s edge. Although it’s scary and I may have rather spent my summer in a place that doesn’t get stormy weather, I dive in and taste its salty specialness.

From my ocean’s edge to yours:

XO - P"

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An excerpt from Jessica's story:

Navigating adulthood, motherhood, and cancer, I learned to find solace in my children – Dalton, McDermott, and Olympia – whose vibrant personalities and bountiful love filled my life with joy and purpose, even amid the turmoil of illness. My husband Michael's quiet strength balanced my

anxious nature, and our family bond became a source of balance.

The rest of my family also provided (Mom Norah, Dad Tony, sister Vanessa, sister Emily and brother-in-law Paul) unwavering support and were instrumental in my determination. They never left my side, held me when I cried, and helped me find laughter when I thought it impossible. My mother especially became my caretaker, confidante, and personal chauffeur. We somehow found adventure and inside jokes (isn’t this fun?) as we navigated my cancer road together.My dearest friends were a source of blessings as well.

Furthermore, I was inspired by the resilience of others, like Nicky Newman, a stage-4 breast cancer warrior, whose zest for life despite terminal illness resonated deeply with me even though we didn’t share diagnoses. I adopted her mantra to "Go Grab Life." Nicky's legacy reminded me to cherish every moment, and live life to its fullest.

Today, I stand not as quicksand but as the mighty sea – powerful, serene, and capable of weathering life’s storms while embracing its joys. My journey with cancer has taught me the importance of living in the present, of finding beauty in everyday moments, and of nurturing resilience in the face of adversity.

Reflecting on my experience, I realize that while cancer imposed profound challenges, it also offered moments of introspection and growth. I've learned to navigate life with a renewed perspective, acknowledging that every situation possesses multiple angles, and that amidst hardship, there is room for joy, hope, and gratitude.

If I could distill my journey into wisdom for others, it would be to seize life with both hands, to cherish the present moment, and to nurture your inner positivity, strength and gratitude. Cancer has reshaped my life, not by altering my essence, but by reinforcing my capacity to embrace life with courage and optimism."

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Excerpt from Patti's Story:

"After 16 years of peaceful seas and recovery, another tidal wave hit me hard when Wayne passed away from lung cancer. Waves hit me constantly for the first year after his death, sometimes gently but other times with much force. Drawing from my Al-Anon recovery, I was able to express my grief and find acceptance. Gently, the waves moved me forward with new job opportunities, adventurous European vacations, my oldest daughter's marriage, which expanded our family with a loving son-in-law and grandson, and years of quiet seas.

Unexpectedly, in November 2023, a tsunami hit me! I had an abnormal mammogram, and after extensive tests, I found out that I had breast cancer. It was my worst nightmare come true! "First, I was afraid, I was petrified … but then I grew strong … It took all my strength not to fall apart … but no, not I, I will survive!" These are words from an old favorite song describing my feelings about this news. Waiting for the specifics was the hardest. However, the storm quickly lessened as the surgeon and his staff were incredible, giving me and my family hope, encouragement, and excellent care.

Having my family and friends encircle me on this journey has been priceless. I know my recovery in Al-Anon aided me through this storm. The first step reminds me that I am powerless. God is in control. Placing my trust in God has given me the fortitude to get through all the treatments, worries, and anxiety of my cancer journey. I'm learning to survive the swells! I've reached new levels of self-discovery. I'm now floating on the waves by reaching out to others nearby rather than being smashed ashore in other seas of my life. I'm receiving care and love from the SheRose group and extending my hand to give hope and courage to others in similar seas. I've learned the value of support and that I don't have to do this alone. Cancer has given me a new perspective on life - seeing what is truly important, being at peace with myself, living in the moment, and accepting all the waves in my life, gentle or raging. I am a cancer survivor, but this is not the end of my story, as I have opened my sails to new adventures."

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An excerpt from Lisa's story:

"The guiding light of my family is helping me through. I know they are as afraid as I am, but they do not let me see their fears. The tables turned and they have become my cheerleaders. From the fun, silly party in my honor the night before surgery to the hand holding through each chemo session, they made me smile. They made me fight harder than I believed I could. And they continue to be my source of strength as I navigate the post-treatment portion of this yellow brick road. I also have a 3-month-old grandchild now which has given me even more to fight for.

My family has grown recently with the addition of my pink sister community who continually show me compassion, empathy and share success stories to help with my struggle. My guess is that they do not realize how much they have positively impacted me. The love, laughter and tears at times have taught me lessons that are invaluable to reaching my goal of living each second of every day in joy.

Although I am still working on letting go of fear, I am having more good days than bad, and I allow myself grace if I slip into darkness for a bit. I feel I can see Emerald City and am ready to click my heels three times, however my slippers will be pink instead of red."

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
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An excerpt from Pam's Story:

"While this is one of the hardest moments of my life, there are some beautiful chapters in between. At the age of 24, I married my husband and had two amazing children. In my experience some people become their past and carry on the behavior in which they were raised or they become the exact opposite. I chose the latter. I made it my mission to be the best wife and mother I could be and to give my children a life that I only dreamed of. I made it to nearly every football game, dance competition, softball game, and every academic ceremony. My children are grown now, both are college graduates, and my daughter recently got married. My children have always been my world and will continue to be.

A word, a date, and a place rewrote my expectations for chapter 55. I was driving home and received a call from my doctor. I didn’t know that this would be another life changing call. She asked me to pull over and she uttered the words, “You have cancer.” The word cancer has boundless meanings for everyone, and my mind was filled with racing thoughts. Thankfully, I was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. I told my husband and children about my diagnosis, but I tried to hide the fear. I kept myself busy trying not to think of all the possible outcomes. However, the Lord saw my tears at night and heard my every prayer.

March 14th of 2024 was the day I had my double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. My family will now say how scared they all were because they didn’t know the extent of the surgery. I woke up in room 3012, ten hours later with two of those hours in recovery trying to stabilize my blood pressure. I don’t really remember anything from the first few days except for the pain. I have truly never been in pain like that, and it was jarring looking at my body for the first time with so many connecting scars that looked like a road map. Thankfully, a week later I was told that my cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes and that I did not have to have radiation or chemotherapy. I do, however, have to take medication for five years since the cancer was estrogen receptive. While the side effects are challenging, I am grateful that most of my racing thoughts did not come true.

Since then, I have physically recovered, but I am still working on my emotional recovery. I am so thankful to have a loving family and a Savior that never left my side. Another source of comfort has been being a part of the Sheroes group. I have met the most resilient, brave, and strong women that are actually real-life superheroes. They help me to see the silver lining and to know my book isn’t over."

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
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Excerpt from Brenda's story:

"In navigating through life’s turbulent waters, where uncertainty clouded my path, my girls were my beacons of light amid the storm. They guided me towards my purpose when I didn’t think I had one. Amanda and Caitlin will always be my every heartbeat, my every breath, my two reasons, my shining lights, my entire world.

Today, our team of three has grown and I am the luckiest mommy and mimi on this planet. My family is and always will be my beacon of love, hope, positivity, and light. My faith also helped me immensely. God’s power can make things that seem impossible possible. I am truly blessed.

The lesson? Persevere through the pain and swim toward victory over those things that stand against you. Life is a struggle. It is a continuing battle, and it takes perseverance to go the distance. As a result of my cancer journey, I am stronger than I was before. I’m not saying that I don’t worry about the cancer returning, but I am eternally thankful for each new day I am given. I realize every day is a gift. I try to follow the simple advice of my favorite Disney fish, Dory, “Just keep swimming!”

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
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Excerpt from Sunny's story:

"I would have to say that one of the biggest wakeup call in my life is when I went through a divorce from my husband of 23 ½ years and was the father of my 3 children I had suspected that he was having an affair and my suspicions were right. All I could think of was, here is the second man in my life that has chosen to abandon me.

There were myriads of emotions. I was angry and frustrated because I couldn’t control the situation and I couldn’t make him come back. It seemed so easy for him to just let me and the kids go. I felt like I had been punched in the gut and I couldn’t breathe.

The first 2 years were awful. The kids were so angry at their dad that they refused to see him or talk to him. I was a basket case trying to deal with my own feelings and emotions. I was becoming more and more depressed and anxious. I had very little money. I went to work and drank and smoked in the evening. Not a very pretty existence. But then the waters calmed down and I was able to feel capable and competent.

Until last year when I was diagnosed breast cancer diagnosis, was laid off work and then decided to retire. As you might expect the pain of my divorce went away but the depression and anxiety were back in full force. A lot to take in and process. I went back to seeing a therapist to help process the many changes. And that’s where we are today.

So, like the water, there will be days with depression and anxiety and the water will be churned up but then the wonderful calm will come over you and the waves will softly reach the shore and disappear."

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

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