For breast cancer awareness month this year, the Susan G. Komen Foundation began the campaign #WhatGivesMeStrength which offer stories of courage from survivors. When I thought about my answer to this question, it wasn’t quite that simple. My first reaction was to quickly say “my family” or “waking up to a new day.” But the truth is, those things are what make me happy… I needed to dig a bit deeper to find the honest answer as to what gives me strength.
I pondered the thought of my writing and wondered if that is what gives me strength, since it has been so therapeutic during this whole cancer journey. But it’s more than just my writing, it is when I hear from someone that what I wrote had helped them in some way. These are the moments when I feel empowered, motivated and driven to push forward.
A most recent post read: “Shelly Straub thank you for all your boobie tale posts. I have learned a lot from reading them... you are a very strong woman....”
Who am I to take on the title of ‘Teacher?” I have no teaching degree. But, it seems that by sharing my experience, others have an opportunity to learn.
I could be content knowing I made a difference in just one life, but why stop there? I have walked through hell with the red devil swimming through my blood stream and I survived. As a member of the ‘pink ribbon club’, I have experience to share and a story to tell.
This year, over 40,000 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer. If just one of them learns of my story and it helps them not to feel frightened or alone, I have made a difference.
Making a difference is what gives me strength.
I pondered the thought of my writing and wondered if that is what gives me strength, since it has been so therapeutic during this whole cancer journey. But it’s more than just my writing, it is when I hear from someone that what I wrote had helped them in some way. These are the moments when I feel empowered, motivated and driven to push forward.
A most recent post read: “Shelly Straub thank you for all your boobie tale posts. I have learned a lot from reading them... you are a very strong woman....”
Who am I to take on the title of ‘Teacher?” I have no teaching degree. But, it seems that by sharing my experience, others have an opportunity to learn.
I could be content knowing I made a difference in just one life, but why stop there? I have walked through hell with the red devil swimming through my blood stream and I survived. As a member of the ‘pink ribbon club’, I have experience to share and a story to tell.
This year, over 40,000 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer. If just one of them learns of my story and it helps them not to feel frightened or alone, I have made a difference.
Making a difference is what gives me strength.
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