"To say I was totally devastated with my breast cancer diagnosis in 2017 didn’t even come close to how I felt. I started my journey alone, trying to shelter my family from the ugliness of what cancer does to a person. Reality check! Did I really think that would work? Enter Project Pink’d. If you are a part of this sisterhood, then you know first-hand how impactful it is to receive a Healing Hearts Kit! I couldn’t believe there was an organization out there that cared enough to think of me when I was at one of my lowest points. Then as the medical bills started to mount, a social worker told me there was more to Project Pink’d than I could even imagine. They had a program that could possibly pay some bills for me. WOW! The Helping Hand Grant paid one of my mortgage payments! This gave me a moment to breathe and took some financial stress away.
Slowly I started joining programs that Project Pink’d offered. Some Yoga here, a Care to Share Thanksgiving there, with a little bit of A Cup of Conversation on the side. I applied for the Dare to Thrive retreat and didn’t get selected the first time. I was heartbroken and almost gave up, however, I applied again. I became a Thriver of the class of 2020/2021. What a life changing experience! I didn’t realize I was limping along. I was barely surviving, not thriving. I was letting cancer define who I am. That wasn’t me, or who I wanted to be. I can happily say today that I am still a work in process – but now I see myself differently. I am strong, I am beautiful, I am amazing, I radiate joyfulness, I am a warrior and I kicked cancer’s butt!
I am beyond humbled to have been selected to be on the board of Project Pink’d. I am the controller at Specialized Engineering Solutions, bringing 25+ years of accounting experience with me and I look forward to providing perspective from a thrivers point of view. I am excited to get to work and to be part of the future of Project Pink’d! I am thankful for everything they have done for me and for allowing me to pay-it-forward!
