Pink-tober

Every October my support group Hope Lives! in Fort Collins holds their annual gala to raise funds to support women battling breast cancer. This is the event that I had the opportunity to model in 2 years ago. It was an amazing experience. This year 3 of my friends who are fellow survivors were models and Jon and I won tickets to attend. It was a great evening. I was also able to see several of the woman that I went through chemo with or who I have met at support meetings through the last few years.

Here is myself, Dana, Debbie and Sandra....

Debbie I was connected with through Hope Lives because we were doing the same chemotherapy. She is one of a kind. I love her. She is a great person, she makes me laugh, and I will never forget her because of the awful times that we went through together. And...just because she flat out rocks. What doesn't kill us, makes us stronger, right woman?

Debbie and Dana were both in treatment with me. Dana was the honorary chair at relay for life last year and gave an amazing speech that moved me to tears and she has amazing faith.

Here is myself, Shari, Jen and Dana.

Shari was diagnosed 6 months after me and I met her because Olivia and her youngest were in the same preschool. Olivia now cheers for the gym she owns and I love being able to see her on such a regular basis.

I met Jen at work. She and I worked together for a few years before I was diagnosed. She was diagnosed when her youngest daughter was only 9 months. Jen was the first "survivor" I really knew. She was there for e to cry to when I was so overwhelmed with fear of the unknown, to take me to my first support group meeting, to answer my questions and encourage me through the whole process. I am truly blessed to have her in my life and was lucky to have someone to talk to so early on in my diagnosis that had been through the same experience. Check out that passionate kiss her hubby laid on her in front of everyone. I love it!!

My friend Lanie that also went through treatment with me was also part of the evening. She gave an inspiring speech about her cancer experience. She is a 2 time cancer survivor. Diagnosed at 26 and 32 I believe. She is someone that I have looked up to since I met her. Her mother would come to treatment with her and they would both be laughing and having a great time in the dreary treatment room. It was contagious and I was drawn to her. She was always so happy and upbeat. Always looking for the good in every situation and always willing to do whatever she could to help and support her friends.