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“YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER.” Those four words changed my life forever. The life my husband and I created was suddenly in disarray and turned upside down. The look in my husband’s eyes is something I will never forget and I never want to see again. For the first time in his life, my Marine was powerless. My surgeon said to me, “I am with you every step of the way and if there’s anyone that can survive this, it is YOU!” Suddenly, those words became a four letter word for me: HOPE. Because of that hope and many prayers, I am a SURVIVOR.
During my recovery, I did research on the Internet, read books, talked to other women and collected and saved every piece of information I could. There is so much information available, but I realized this time should be better spent on healing rather than tracking down and researching information. I had this idea to start a non profit organization that offers gift bags to breast cancer patients. The gift bags would include all the materials and items found to be useful, comforting and necessary. I was on a mission and I was determined. One day my sister called and said, “You need to call this woman, Jennifer, I have known her for a few years and you really must call her.” It became quite clear why we were brought together. We share the same vision, the same passion, the same goal and the same idea to help other breast cancer patients. I was shocked to learn my vision was her reality. Positively Pink Packages provides care packages to breast cancer patients with the best information, resources and items to relax and comfort them. And yes, it even offers hope.
I owe so much to my sister, JoAnn for bringing Jennifer and I together. I am so thankful to Jennifer for opening her heart and inviting me to join this wonderful organization. In many ways Positively Pink has put me on my own path to emotional healing. I am eternally grateful for my husband, Jess, for his love and guidance and being the foundation through the most challenging time in my life. Now he is my biggest supporter on this new adventure in my life. I know I am truly blessed.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Chilson
Director of Dekalb County Chapter Illinois
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