Christina – Anderson, SC

Christina is crafty, caring and dedicated to helping others – all while facing a rare form of breast cancer (Metaplastic).  Her thoughts on “dropping anchor” to weather the storm touched us all.

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

I am a Pinterest junkie! I love looking finding new recipes to try out (I’ve only had two failures so far) and I have found all kinds of crafts for our Girl Scout troop to do when we have camp-outs or just during our meetings. I have found crafts that I have made for teachers for my kids to give them as gifts. I think that gifts like these are more meaningful than store bought gifts. My favorite gift we gave was a bird nest necklace. We gave it to three teachers that year. My daughter’s 1st grade teacher cried as she had one child “leaving the nest” and going to college. She said that with the necklace her nest would always be full. I love doing things for other people.

What brought you hope as you faced cancer?

My sister sent me a picture on Instagram with these words: Hope is an anchor for the soul. Hebrews 6:19. The next day a co-worker sent me an email and in it said, “through this storm you just need to drop anchor and hold on.” I knew then and there that the anchor would be my symbol through this journey. I dropped my anchor and held on through the storm. I knew that God had this planned from the beginning and that He would see me through the storm.

How do you live life over cancer?

I live one day at a time and try to live it to its fullest. I have learned to listen to my body and do what it says. I have learned to say “No” ….which is hard for me as I love helping people. I’ve learned that I cannot take on any more than I can physically or emotionally handle.

I have the best encouragers in the world at work. I work with some awesome teachers who check on me, send me sweet emails or texts, or leave messages on my desk. Prayers from hundreds of people around the world also help me each and every day.

How did you become connected with Hope Scarves? 

I was getting ready to start chemo and I knew I needed some scarves and hats to wear as I did not plan on wearing a wig…too hot and itchy. I googled free scarves and found Hope Scarves. I loved what they were doing for cancer patients. I filled out the form and received a beautiful scarf with my favorite color of blue. It was wrapped so pretty I didn’t want to open it.

It meant the world to me that there was an organization out there that really wanted to help those with cancer and were willing to send me a free scarf in the process.

What do you wish other people knew about Hope Scarves?

That it isn’t just for people with breast cancer.

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

Please get one for them. It will bless their lives. The pretty wrapping will light up their face and put a smile on it. When they wear it they will always remember their friend or family member who got it for them and smile.

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

To see my three daughters, ages 14, 12 and 10 grow up, get married and have children. To be able to retire with my husband and travel.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…it is learning to dance in the rain.

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

Loyal, great friend, generous, kind, always has a smile on her face.

Please share something you learned facing cancer.

You can face your fears and do anything. Everything seems scary, but once you’ve gone through it the first time with chemo or radiation, you know what to expect the next time and how to handle it.  “I can do anything through Christ who give me strength.” Phillipians 4:13