Upon hearing this news, I knew immediately I had a journey to embark on and I was going to share it with whoever would listen. That’s where my Facebook and Instagram pages were started-A Warrior’s Fight. I’ve shared the highs, lows, good, bad, and the ugly. You get pictures, video, procedures, along with my thoughts and feelings. Most people have no idea what side effects can occur with chemotherapy. In less than 7 years, I’m about to go into my sixth fight. Through hell and back, I keep fighting. It’s been one of the hardest experiences, physically, emotionally and mentally. Bringing awareness to Ovarian Cancer and what cancer patients go through is an important part of my journey. I love helping others answering a lot of private messages with questions and concerns. Being there for family and friends who have or are fighting. I believe no one should fight alone.

In my almost 7 year journey, I started my infamous Bucket List. It began about 6 years ago when my dear friend Cindy was put in hospice. We had an unbreakable friendship which started on a day we shared a room where we were both receiving chemotherapy. She loved the beach and sun as much as I did and our friend Erin, gifted us with the most meaningful trip to Hawaii. Sitting by the pool one afternoon, I knew I had to start living, truly living my life to the fullest which meant facing my fears, trying new foods, visit countries/states I’ve been wanting to see. Most of all, I wanted to be an inspiration especially to my sons. Something I tell them all the time, is no matter how hard life can seem to be or how bad you may feel, know that you have two choices; one is to sit and have a pity party or you can get back up on your feet and make the best of it. While my Bucket List continues to grow, I feel I’ve accomplished the most fearful ones!! I always said NO WAY, NEVER will I ever go skydiving. Why the hell would I want to do that? Well that all change after a day in the indoor skydiving tube. It was when I opened my big mouth and said “Oh that was easy and fun.” Mr. JD didn’t waste a second and took the bait and replied, “Well, let’s go skydiving!” Damn it!!! And again my big mouth opened with “OK, I’ll do it.”

Now skydiving out of Oceanside, where the view was breathtaking to say the least, that was one of the MOST exhilarating, face your fears, poop in your pants just for a second kind of experience. I swear I can remember the hundreds of moments that happened in that experience. As of today, I have successfully accomplished 80 Bucket List activities. They stem from little fun things to meeting celebrities to experiencing the craziest activities. I encourage people to start a their list now! There’s no point in starting it when you are told you are dying. See the world and go experience things, seek adventures, LIVE your life to the fullest!! Share them with family, friends or on your own.

Most importantly, along every step, open your heart and ALWAYS be kind. I smile all the time and I can even during the most painful times. I try to make to make the best out of every experience and have a sense of humor. I never forget to say thank you to every nurse, doctor, tech, or human being I come in contact with. It’s the little things that mean the most. When people look at me, you wouldn’t in your wildest dream know I have cancer. I have my hair, skin color looks good, and I can be a ball of energy. You never know what someone else is going through and there’s never reason not to be kind. Live your own story. Make it a good one.

I have cancer, but cancer doesn’t have me.