Thrive     Survive     Live     Laugh     Power     Love     Hope     Share

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 22—just three weeks before I was to graduate from Georgia Tech. I celebrated graduation by spending my summer undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I had to become an adult faster that I expected. Not only did I have to learn to take care of myself, I had to pay for all of my medical bills, all while starting my first “big girl” job. It was a long process, filled with pain and heartache and tears. It also taught me to be a strong woman, to fight. I realized the things I valued most in the world, were my family, my friends and myself. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at such a young age is the worst thing imaginable, but I know that now I can share my story and shine a light on young women with breast cancer. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world…it is only the beginning!