I just turned 34 one week ago--- a little over a month after being diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast. My closest friends are in San Diego but I live in NYC, so as a gift they sent me a breast cancer garden gnome. I named her Stella and have been taking her with me to all of my appointments and to my school so she can get photos with everyone I meet. It's her way of curing breast cancer by making people smile in photos! I just had my right mastectomy three days ago and I'm getting through it; no cancer in my lymph nodes. I have a lot of love from friends near and far, my brother is staying with me to help out, and I have so much love to give. I start chemo in April and have all the hope in the world that I will beat this thing. I never in a million years thought I would be facing cancer of any kind at such a young age, but I am finally at a place in my life that I feel strong enough and brave enough to fight and win any battle I have to face.

Marie
New York, NY