Hi and welcome back to The CSI Project and another edition of The CSI Chic Chronicles.
I am a believer that when we come through trials in our life, that we can share our story and encourage others who may be going through the same trial. I guess that is always the hope that when you are going through a hard time, a terrible illness or any trial in life, that there are people who have gone through the same things and now they can pull you through it.
Meet Heather.
She was diagnosed with Mesothelioma and now she is cancer free. I got a very heart warming email from Heather.
I want to share a part of that email.
“I myself am a mother to a quirky little 6-½ year old, Lily. She is my only
child, and my whole world. When Lily was just 31/2 months old, I was
diagnosed with Mesothelioma; a type of cancer that kills 90-95% of
those who have it. As I’m sure you can imagine, the first thing that
came to mind when I was diagnosed was my baby girl and how I wasn’t
going to be able to watch her grow up.
After all that, I’m still here 6 1/2 years later and cancer free!
I’d like to turn my pain into purpose and become someone that other
people can look to for guidance, inspiration, and hope in situations like my own.”
Heather and her family.
I knew that I wanted to share her story and to help spread her message of hope. That is what The CSI Project is all about…..sharing and inspiring. Not only in our craft worlds but in our everyday lives.
Here is Heather’s message in her own words.
Facing the Diagnosis and Learning the Power of Hope
I spent my life living optimistically. In my mind, the glass was always half full and the world was a beautiful place. My confidence in the world became shaken when I was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 36. Three and a half months after my first child was born, the doctor told me that I had malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma-a long stream of world that meant one thing: I was facing death head on. My diagnosis on November 21, 2005 made me realize that I had better get busy living, or spend the last few moments of my life regretting the things I had not done. I could give up, let myself sink into the depths of despair, or curse God; but I did not. My little girl was just starting out her life and she needed a mother to guide her. This was supposed to be a time of rejoicing after my daughter’s birth and instead I was facing the battle of my life, for my life. I wanted to be around to see my daughter graduate from high school and have a family of her own. Giving up was not an option.
I think of my battle optimistically. Having to fight cancer forced me to review my own life. I learned how to view any situation through rose-colored lens and find a way to escape from the fear. Other people have been diagnosed before and more will be in the future. I wanted to be there for future victims to give them the hope that I struggled so hard to find.
My fight was a lucky one. My doctor was one of the world’s leading mesothelioma doctors who taught me to hope in the future. The doctor set the Groundhogs Day of 2006 as my surgery date. Jokingly, I named my tumor Punxsutawney Phil and called the surgery day, Lung-leaving day. On this day, a portion of my lung would be removed and leave my body. Every year since then, I have held a celebration for Lung-leaving Day. This day marks the date that I conquered my fear of cancer and learned to hope in a new life. My cancer is gone, but it has left me with an extreme gratitude for getting a second chance to live again.
Meeting other people who have dealt with this diagnosis has opened my eyes. As we struggle to bring awareness to the disease, I see the dreadful impact cancer has on the family of the other patients. Everyone who undergoes the battle is a friend in my eyes. They have faced down fear and learned to have hope in the future. Life has a purpose now and I have dedicated myself to helping others learn how to deal with this terrible diagnosis.
You can learn more about Heather at her blog. Find it here.
You may also email her if you have questions or need support.
~ Thank you Heather for sharing your story and I believe that we truly never know who will touch with our lives. We just need the courage to share. Thanks for having that courage. You have touched my life with your story and I know you will inspire others. You are always welcome here at The CSI Project.
One reason why I was so touched by Heather’s desire to share her story is because I believe that those types of trials shape who we are and give us the courage and desire to help others. That same desire is why I created Giraffe Grins, my charity.
You can go here to read all about GG and see how you can help.