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My name is Zoraida. I have worked for the Kroger Company for the past 9 years. And I am a breast cancer survivor.
I grew up in the Houston area and I have two beautiful children ages 11 and 12— they are my pride and joy. In February 2008, I went for my regular doctor's visit and mammogram. The doctor felt something out of the ordinary and requested further tests. The tests came back showing that I had breast cancer. I had no knowledge of cancer before and I don't have any family history of it.
Get regular doctor checkups and keep a positive attitude.
They started me on chemotherapy treatment—at first it was once a week, now it is once a month. The treatment is painful, but I have a very strong will to get well. I am determined to see my kids grow up and right now they depend on me for everything. They are my life and they keep me going. I also have a very supportive family and friends and co-workers. I see every day now as a gift—I love life and everything about it.
I've learned that life is too short and time passes too fast. We all need to live our lives to the fullest and enjoy every second of it. I've learned not to waste time on foolish things and refuse to let negative things weigh me down. Keep an open mind and be optimistic, you never know what the future brings. As hard as it’s been, I keep a positive attitude and I have made up my mind to beat this disease.
Currently, I am affiliated with FUCAM—their purpose is to raise money to provide 1,000 mammograms for women in Mexico. We hold garage sales monthly and we talk to people about what we’re doing to help women who don’t have the health care we have here. It gives me great pleasure to speak to others about the benefits of getting regular medical examinations. I also enjoy sharing my story in the hope that I can be a comfort to anyone who may be in the same situation I was. I am inviting others to save their lives too by getting regular medical examinations and following their doctor’s orders.
My advice is to stay optimistic, follow the directions your doctor provides, have faith in God and hope for the best. Surround yourself with the love of your family, friends and the people you really care about. Sometimes you have to follow your heart to be strong yourself and believe in tomorrow. For me, it's been so important to live each day more fully and feel the passion for life. My family and friends were and are very supportive and have helped me through the treatments and my continued recovery. This has opened my eyes and taught me to enjoy every minute of my life.
- Zoriada
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