Paula – Hayesville, NC

Paula is a scarf recipient, diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the Age of 50 in mid 2017. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that has nothing to do with cancer.

I am a huge Florida Gator fan and an Alumni. And now I am engaged to marry an even bigger Florida State freak.

What brought you hope as you faced cancer?

My family!!!! I have 3 beautiful daughters and 3 amazing grand-babies.

How do you live life over cancer?

I am determined to overcome this, as I have many things in life. I was once in an abusive marriage and was almost killed during it. I overcame all that and it had made me stronger. Then 7 years ago I suffered a heart attack and actually died (was revived). Now, I don’t sweat the small stuff. I am a Hospice RN so I see death everyday. It’s not my time right now – it’s my time to shine!!! At 51, I have a wedding to plan and a life to live.

How did you become connected with Hope Scarves? 

I received a Hope Scarf. It was an amazing testimonial from a beautiful woman that knows what I face, my fears, my hopelessness at times… just everything. Her strength is in that scarf.

What do you wish other people knew about Hope Scarves?

We are a sisterhood of strong woman!!!!

What would you tell someone who is thinking about sending a Hope Scarf to someone facing cancer?

Please do it. My scarf came days after I was diagnosed and it truly meant (and still does) a lot to me.

What is one of your dreams or goals for the future?

Marrying my best friend!!!!

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

Positive outlook – positive outcome!

If your friends or family describe you in a couple of words, what would they say?

Loving, caring, hard-headed.

Please share something you learned facing cancer.

As a Registered nurse I have heard the doctors tell patients they have the dreaded C word. But until you hear it describing you, you truly don’t understand or comprehend exactly what those words mean, and the blow that it is. My diagnosis literally took my breath away. But I have faith that God has a purpose and a reason for everything. If I can have just one person honestly say that because of the strength I showed, they could face cancer too, then it’s all worth it.