I have a beautiful life

I received an email today. The program outline for my church's Mission Sunday. 

Relay For Life is one of the community outreach programs we participate in. 

This is special to me and I have been asked to present a bit about Relay as well as a quick testimony about

my cancer journey. 

I have agreed to do so.

This blog post is a result of the brainstorming. 

Some thoughts that I do not want to miss. 

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31. But the reality of that story is not even a blip on the radar. Found a lump on a Sunday morning while showering, came right on to church, sat in Donald's class (quietly) that morning. Those who know me well will understand why that QUIETLY word is important. 

After class was over and before morning worship, Maria Cleghorne asked what was wrong and I tearfully told her what I had discovered. A very quick turn of events sent me to surgery under Dr. Abney and the news AFTER that surgery was "you don't have cancer any more." 

I was blessed - early discovery, lumpectomy, clear margins. No need for a huge amount of support. A simple request for prayer for the surgery recovery and I was on my merry way.

And I became active with Relay for Life (actually all of the American Cancer Society programs at that time). Oh, I was passionate about it. 

Then I went to work for them and discovered what amazing services and research and support they provide. And became even more passionate about the event. 

Jones Chapel has been a major part of Relay fundraising for many years since, and I am proud to walk that track with others affected by this disease. 

Fast forward to April 2010. 

Kidney stone they said. 

Misery said I.

Doctor - Emergency room - CT scan - back to Doctor. 

Lying there as the soft spoken and kind, but to the point, Doc said.

"you have a kidney stone in your left kidney" 

my reply - DUH - now what do we do.

"Well that's not our major concern" 

and he balled up his fist and said 

"your kidney is normally about this size" 

"you have a tumor about this size (circling his fingers on the other hand) in your kidney" 

"that's what is causing all the problems and you are bleeding internally"

then he hung that word out there

"you have CANCER" 

those words hanging out there.

those words were no match for the literal blanket of love, prayer and care the this congregation draped around me. 

That was Friday

the following Wednesday was our Mrs Relay fundraiser. 

Jones Chapel circled me and many survivors and their loved ones that night.

And with the continued fundraising support 

Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society

can help so many others. 

I invite each of you

support Relay

Support each other.

Love each other.

Pray for each other.

Help this church be the hands and feet of God for this community.

I almost died from renal cell carcinoma. 

I lost my left kidney.

But I am blessed beyond measure. 

I had no requirements for treatments afterwards.

I have frustrating side effects, but nothing very serious.

AND most important

 in losing that kidney and almost dying.

I really learned to LIVE.

Giving - serving - loving - reaching. 

We each can help someone else learn to live too. 

You know......

I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LIFE