I had a lump. In my right breast. But I was only 24 years old, it couldn't be anything of concern right? Wrong. In April 2014 I got a physical and mentioned this lump, I then had an ultrasound at a Breast Center after my doctor advised me to do so, then they wanted to do a biopsy. Throughout these 3 appointments, I was never very worried. On April 22nd, 2014, or about 6 months ago from today I got a call that changed my life. To hear you have breast cancer is to have your stomach drop, your heart stop, and tears fill your eyes. I never thought this would happen to me, but it did and cancer of any type will continue to happen to any of us, everyday unfortunately. So be aware, get checked, make sure your family looks out for it because I hope that we all can prevent any further burden from cancer through early detection. My life has changed in immeasurable ways since that day. I've continued working full time as a Graphic Designer throughout 4 doses of AC, and 12 of Taxotere. I had a bilateral mastectomy during which I took 3 weeks off from work. I'm healing well, I'm in complete remission, and I could not be in more awe of life. I won't lie, I have hard days every week, I feel down from the drugs, drained from treatment, work, social activities. But I don't plan on stopping. This is my life. And my life isn't cancer. It changed my perspective, I want to help more people, I want to fulfill my full purpose and share new perspectives. I want to inspire anyone that's had cancer in their life, or may in the future. It doesn't have to stop you from living, in fact it can make the time you have left here on earth that much better. There are no guarantees, but facing something that was once your greatest fear and conquering it truly makes all cancer survivors a warrior. So fight on and believe in you. Every day.

Chelsea Cliff
Edina, MN