I was devastated upon getting my breast cancer diagnosis at 38. With two small little girls, I couldn't imagine anything worse. Then, just 2 weeks before my double mastectomy, my amazing 40 year old sister in law learned she had bone cancer in her jaw that had spread throughout her face. It made me put my own diagnosis in perspective and motivated me to recover quickly so I could support her through her much more difficult battle. She has been so brave and strong, even after enduring a grueling surgery that removed more than half her jaw and half the bones in her face. She is now undergoing radiation, but she remains my hero and has been there for me throughout my own battle. I love her so much, and she made me stronger and more faithful. I am blessed to have her in my life, and it helped me learn that it is so much harder to watch someone you love suffer than to endure it yourself. Even when you think your own situation couldn't get any worse, life has a funny way of making you realize that sometimes it isn't as bad as you think. I am recovered, but I couldn't have done it without the support of my angel, Renee. Going through cancer brings some of the most amazing people to you, often ones that have been there all along. I have a new appreciation for all cancer patients and their caretakers. Too many of us out there, but hopefully one day that won't be the case.

Colleen Schoellkopf
Pasadena, TX