I was eleven when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn't know anything about it, but that word still terrorized me. The day she told me she had breast cancer was the most dreadful day of my life. My childhood suddenly stopped. My mom explained me everything very well and went through all the steps -operation, chemo, radiation- like a warrior. She never allowed herself to doubt or show that she was tired. I had never seen such strength and motivation in a person. She had that light shining in her eyes. Every time I looked at her, I couldn't help but smile. Every day, she reassured me and told me she was going to be OK. She wouldn't let me see her bald, because she knew it was too much for me to take in. Every day, I realized what a wonderful mother and woman she was and that I would give anything to save her life.
Finally, after various operations and more than one year of fighting, she announced me that she was a breast cancer survivor. That was the most beautiful day of my life. I could breathe and smile again. I learnt that hope and determination are powerful weapons.
My mom's cancer may have been the worst period of my life, but it taught me so much about life and strength and I am grateful for that. I know there is nothing more important in the world than life and the ones of those we love. Since then, I get up every morning with a smile on my face, because I am just happy to be alive and proud to say that my mother is a breast cancer survivor.
Geneva, Switzerland