It had been a long week. My youngest had not slept well all week. I was looking forward to not setting an alarm for this Saturday morning. Mid-week, Robin, a new work friend mentioned that her church, Christian Chapel was hosting a walk for Breast Cancer Month and said “You should come!” I told her I would think about it, but secretly I was worn out and the walk started at 7 AM meaning I’d have to set an alarm. Before leaving on Friday, Robin once again said “I hope to see you there!” Later that evening, a get a text from another friend, Brandi, asking if I was coming. She was going to walk in my honor but there was no pressure for me to come. I told her I’d see how Anderson slept but again, I thought I just want to stay in bed!

Climbing into bed last night, I knew I would have to go. God has sent not just one messenger but two. He has his reasons and knows the right people to send and at the right time. Sometimes the right time to do something is when you don’t have the energy to do so. That’s when you get the biggest blessing. You see, it’s been a year now since I was first diagnosed and officially joined the Cancer Club. At the event, they asked the “survivors” to get in line first to receive breakfast. I had never thought much about the word until I literally became one. Brandi yelled at me when it was announced, “Ashley get in line; that’s you!” It literally means a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive after an event in which others have died. Lord may I never take this life for granted. What a powerful definition and all I can repeat over and over in my head- after an event in which others have died but I didn’t-I’m alive!

I want to thank Robin and Brandi for pushing me to attend today’s walk. I want to thank Christian Chapel for putting on this special event that I plan to attend for years to come! When I arrived, I realized there were so many people I needed to see in addition to my two friends. One friend (a fellow warrior and survivor) and I discussed the importance of using your diagnosis to help others. I think it’s a responsibility we have to others going through similar situations. That being said, I am here if anyone needs to talk. Please reach out to me.

Looking back at last year, I didn’t know what to expect and all I knew was that I would get through. I proudly now own a button that says “survivor.” May it always be a reminder of what I’ve been through but more importantly what I do now going forward.