Let them know you care by sending a message of hope to a friend or family member.

Check out
the wall »

Just use #givinghope in your tweets to help spread the hope!
Follow Us on Twitter

You can help spread the hope on Facebook too!
Become a Fan on Facebook

In January of 2006 I found a small tender spot on my right breast. I was a little concerned but not too worried since friends had told me that cancer doesn’t hurt. I put off getting a mammogram for several months, which was a bad decision. In August of 2006 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. One week after I was diagnosed I was in surgery. I had only been married for a year and thought this is not what he signed up for. My husband and four children have been amazing, going with me to all my appointments and telling me I’m beautiful when I feel ugly and bald. I’ve learned that I am a lot stronger than I thought I could ever be. I am also a better listener now than I was before. When someone knows you have cancer they feel the need to tell you their own cancer stories.

I have found deeper love, wonderful friends, humor and great joy along my sometimes overwhelming path.

Cancer has touched everyone in some way or another and I have so much sympathy for others who have had to fight harder than I have. Today I am still fighting. The cancer is in both lungs and numerous areas so surgery is not an option. I have gone through surgery, radiation, two case studies and five different types of chemo, lost all my hair twice and recovered from liver damage. Through it all I am staying optimistic about the future and finding a cure. Do not feel bad about leaning on others, because kindness can be repaid. Also keep a journal of your journey. It’s a great way to get real about your feelings and remember the little things along the way. Believe it or not I have found deeper love, wonderful friends, humor and great joy along my sometimes overwhelming path.

- Karen