I was first diagnosed at the age of 31 with stage 2 Ductal Carcinoma. I had a mastectomy to remove my right breast and went through 4 months of intense chemotherapy. A year later, I made the decision to have reconstructive surgery in hopes of getting back to normal. The following year, I turned 33 and discovered that my life wasn't going back to normal. The disease had spread to my lungs and bone. I had stage 4 breast cancer and was given 6 to 12 months to live. I went through 15 months of Chemotherapy that time. My oncologist gave me everything he had. I went through 7 clinical trials, and then was finally prescribed a drug called Doxil, which worked!

My breast cancer is estrogen positive, so my oncologist works very hard to keep my body from producing estrogen. It's truly an on-going battle. I took Tamoxifen until it stopped working in 2006, and then I had a full hysterectomy and they discovered disease on my ovaries.

In 2007 I had another scare when a small spot was found on my liver. Since then I have been prescribed the hormone therapy drugs: Aromasin, Zoladex, and I now on a drug called Faslodex.

I am so blessed to have the most amazing support system. My husband, Jim, and my two beautiful boys, Blake and Brennon are my reason for fighting as hard as I do. My sister and my parents have been there for me every step of the way. I still have prayers coming from all over the community and all over the county, so many come from people I don't even know.

Since my diagnosis, I have become very involved in the Breast Cancer community. I have served as a committee member for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure every year since 2005, walked 60 miles in the Kansas City Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, participated in multiple Relay for Life events throughout the KC Metro area, and have served as an ambassador doing various interviews on TV and Radio to bring awareness to this life threatening disease. I was asked to sing the National Anthem at a KC Chiefs game and my story was featured on the front page of the KC Star the next morning. It was an honor to have been given the opportunity to share my story with others fighting cancer and give them the hope they so desperately need. With a positive attitude and a smile on my face, I will continue to support others in this fight and inspire them to "Live the life they have always imagined."