On March 16, 2006, I got the call no one ever wants. The nurse called to tell me that I had breast cancer.
My heart dropped for a minute, and then the fight started. As a single mother of three boys, I knew I was going to fight my heart out to beat this. I also had twenty-four 5-year-olds and 6-year-olds who needed me in the classroom.
I went in to see my doctor that afternoon and she said I had stage 3, which means it is very aggressive. While she was telling me this, all I could think about was fighting for my boys. I wanted to be there to see them grow up, get married, and have babies. All I could think about was making it through and showing my boys I would be there for them no matter how bad I felt that day. I hardly missed anything they did throughout my whole journey.
After I was diagnosed, one of the grandmothers of one of my students gave me the Giving Key. I was moved by this, and now I have found someone to give it to as well. I am choosing another wonderful mother who is battling cancer. I am so proud of her. As she has gone through her journey and continues to go through it, she is always inspiring her two girls and me.
Thank you for coming up with this wonderful idea to help so many. God Bless!
-Crystal
