All of my life I have enjoyed being part of clubs both social and academically. In high school, I was a member of almost every club available and can boast that I, Ashley Rogers Coplin, was President of the High School Beta Club and a State Officer for DECA. Okay, so maybe by you reading this, you have made a couple of assumptions about my personality and some you would guess correctly. I am “A” type. I do like order and lists and thrive off a “perceived” since of control. As life goes on, you begin to realize that you have no control in the end.

Recently, I became a member of a different kind of club. One that no ever wants a membership to but sometimes, it’s part of your life’s journey. The “C” Club is unique in that it does discriminate who it invites- age, sex, nationality, race, etc. At 36, I am considered to be young for the type of membership I’ve been initiated into.

I debated sharing this on my blog and social media. However, I feel that if I can help someone if they become a member of this club than it will have been well worth it to share. What I can say about the members of this club- they are strong, supportive, and willing to share their story. They’ve provided a comfort knowing that I have someone I can ask questions, seek advice, etc. I also didn’t realize just how many have experienced what I’m going through and are members of this club.

I am learning to accept our club’s color pink. Even though, I’ve always prided myself as being more of a tomboy and often stayed away from this color. My colors have never been blush and bashful. However, there’s power in pink and what it represents so I’ve embraced it.

My biggest challenge in this journey is learning to lean on others for help. I am stubborn. I have also learned to let go and let God. In a strange way, being a member of this club has freed me from my normal worries (now seem so petty). Occasionally, I think back to before the diagnosis and part of me wants to mourn the weeks and months prior to all of this. I take a deep breath and realize that this part of my journey will only make my life so much better, better than before. I will be a better person, wife, mother, friend. I can slow down and take it all in.

To my friends and family, all I can say is “wow!” Your love and support is amazing and overwhelm me with gratitude when I think about it. I feel like George Bailey at the end of “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Clarence reminds us that “No man is a failure who has friends.” Your texts, phone calls, hugs, and encouragement will get me through all of this. Thank you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Also, now that I’m officially a member. I want to normalize the word “cancer”. It’s tough to hear and say out loud at first but it’s part of my journey. I am not going to be afraid to say the word “cancer” out loud. I have breast cancer. I will fight this cancer. I will get better.

Official New Member of the Cancer Club,

Ashley Coplin