This life we live is always worth fighting for! – Kelly O’Connor
Exactly one year ago I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer and what a journey it’s been. More importantly, I’ll describe this challenging chapter as extremely beautiful as well because I was so incredibly fortunate to be uplifted by the most amazing fiancé, family, friends, children, neighbors, colleagues, and medical staff. What I’ve learned thru these unpredictable waters is we can do hard things, we can choose to do them with a happy heart, and we can simultaneously be scared and grateful. My fight was won because Scripps Health offered me the greatest oncology team that was infused with care, support, love, knowledge, speed, efficiency, and friendship. If you want a view of what “breast cancer” looks like, see this short video (the first photo is the day I was diagnosed and the last picture is what inspires me most). The reason I felt compelled to share this is you’ll notice one key factor… I never stopped smiling, I never was angry, and I believed in the power of living for “today”. We can take a health crisis and apply the leadership skills we’ve learned and strategize our recovery and “how”. We can also use it to aid others going thru something… i.e. teamwork. What now? I’ve stepped away from my successful career to recover spiritually, exhale, and pay it forward as I’m a volunteer at the Chemo Infusion Center and I’m pondering becoming a nurse. Be well, be kind, and be courageous… this life we live is always worth fighting for!