Why May 5 Is Important?

May 5 has been an important date in my life since I was little. While many people will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo, I celebrate this day for other reasons.

In 1983, I had my last chemo treatment on May 5. My mom, Nana, and I headed to Boston for our last chemo treatment. We had traveled to Boston every three weeks on Thursday for two years. I remember how excited we were that day. Friends sent me a bouquet of purple balloons to celebrate this milestone. At that age, everything in my life had to be purple. It was the end of a long two year battle. I didn't have a good prognosis at the beginning of that cancer journey so it was a miracle they saved my life. 

In 1988, we celebrated my five year anniversary being cancer free. At this point, I had no signs of the cancer returning so I was considered in full remission. Mom made cupcakes for my class to celebrate this amazing milestone.

In 1993, we celebrated my ten year anniversary. For this milestone, I convinced my family it would be a good idea to go to Universal Studios in May! We were so hot and vowed never to do that again, especially because we went on Memorial Day weekend. What were we thinking?!?

Each year, May 5 never went unnoticed. I appreciate the gift I was given as a child and have never taken it for granted.

In 2020, the University of Florida confirmed by doctoral degree on May 5. This was a goal I had been working so hard to achieve. There were a number of roadblocks along the way but I made it. Even with a pandemic upon us, I defended by dissertation and graduated! 

In 2020, as we were celebrating my 37th anniversary of the last chemo treatment, I was meeting with my new oncologist who confirmed the suspected diagnosis of the new cancer. The irony! We are now one year into this battle. I am fighting hard and continue to be every hopeful the cure is right around the corner. My support network is out of this world, which makes me the luckiest person. I am so grateful to be surrounded with so much love and support near and far! It is so helpful to have the best doctors, the greatest friends, and an amazing family with me on the battle field. 

Mom and I have gone through every moment of these fights together but we are strong and stubborn. In cancer survivorship, you count the years from the moment of diagnosis. Today, we celebrate being a forty year survivor of Wilm's Tumor and a one-year survivor of Mesothelioma.  I look forward to doubling these numbers. 

 Yes, these are my cancer ribbon colors. You cannot make this stuff up! Go Gators!!!!!!

For tonight . . . I'm just sayin' XOXO