Fight On

In July 2017 I was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer making it the 4th time over the past 10 years having to fight cancer; this time more serious with distant metastasis. No one wants to hear they have cancer, and those that get the diagnosis do not want to hear stage 4 or the word metastasis. Since the diagnosis I have been deemed stable meaning the tumors are either not growing or growing slowly which is perfectly fine by me. For now, I get scanned every 3-6 months. When faced with mortality you get to reevaluate your life and for me that meant seeking purpose from cancer. The questions ,'why have I gotten cancer 4 times? and 'what can I do now?' turned into 'what is my purpose?' and 'how can I help others facing the same thing?' Shortly after my diagnosis I was sent a beautiful box from an organization called Fighting Pretty. Inside was a variety of things; scarf, socks, encouraging notes, lipstick, and mini pink boxing gloves...it was a great surprise that brought joy to my day and encouraged me to press on. Sometimes joy is the hardest thing to come by when you're fighting against your own body. This week I was able to send proceeds from December sales back to a couple organizations and Fighting Pretty was one of them. It was surprisingly emotional for me to know that proceeds from my company were going to help, encourage and bring joy to other women facing cancer. We fight together. TLJ was born from loving lipstick, having cancer, finding purpose, and wanting to give back. Every woman should fight pretty. This is just the beginning.