Although I had another type of cancer (brain, stage 4), I have been clicking the Breast Cancer site almost every day for the seven years since I was diagnosed. I want to help eradicate this awful disease, no matter what form it takes! Our stories may be different, but the theme is the same—lives interrupted, and sometimes enriched, as we face our most daunting challenge.

My story began seven years ago, with a rescue flight from the Colorado mountains to the emergency room of a Denver hospital. I had a bleeding tumor in my head that threatened to put me into an irreversible coma. Thanks to an amazing surgeon, the tumor was quickly removed. But the story wasn’t over. The tumor was diagnosed as one of the most deadly forms of brain cancer, with an average life expectancy of no more than 18 months.

After three years of brutal therapy and the loss of sight in one of my eyes. I am extremely grateful to be here today to tell my story. During these past years of recovering health, I learned a lot about the power of love, gratitude, positive thinking and healthy living,--which I share in a book I wrote during my therapy, to give help and hope to others going through similar challenges.

By writing this book, I also realized a lifelong dream, albeit in a way I never would have imagined. Sometimes life’s gifts come wrapped in unexpected packages!