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Rosemarie Diagnosed at age 36

"My diagnosis held a mirror in front of me and made me look at myself in a way I never thought I would or even could. It made me redefine my priorities, and reminded me just how important life's little moments are."

Rosemarie

In March of 2018, at 36 years old, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world. I was married to a wonderful man, mother to two beautiful little boys, settling into our new home and loving life surrounded by our close family and friends.

Then one day, three words brought me to my knees and all that happiness felt like it was slipping through my fingers and crashing to the floor and shattering like glass.

“It’s Breast Cancer”…and just like that…poof, my world was forever changed.

The next year and a half of my life would be filled with some of the most unimaginable moments and situations as my diagnosis forced me onto a new path. A path that was designed to break me down completely in an effort to save my life. Chemotherapy…6 surgeries…Radiation…Immunotherapy and oral medication that will continue for the next decade.

My diagnosis held a mirror in front of me and made me look at myself in a way I never thought I would or even could. It made me redefine my priorities, and reminded me just how important life’s little moments are.

It gave me the vision to see angels walking among us, angels in the form of family and friends who touched my life more deeply than I ever dreamed possible.

Breast cancer made me embrace a change in myself...to grow and become a person I never knew I could be. Stepping from the known into the unknown and accepting I was no longer in control...fighting my fears at every turn.

Everyday I reached deep inside for strength and power I didn’t think I had. And I fought through every moment of doubt with every ounce of positivity and courage I could find.

The further into my journey I went I came to realize that even though I had cancer..I was not a victim and I promised myself I never would be. ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING and I am a fighter..a survivor..heart, mind, body and soul.

My cancer diagnosis was a defining moment and it made me realize that what I thought to be the impossible, is in fact possible. I know nothing will ever be the same again...it will be better, because I will settle for nothing less.

So I will continue on my path, with my head high and my heart full..ready for wherever it takes me.


Are you a survivor, spouse, friend, or caretaker with a story to tell? We'd love to hear from you.