Face of Hope, September 2014 – Caroline (Louisville, KY)

1. How did you become connected with Hope Scarves?

After I began my chemotherapy for stage IIIA breast cancer, a friend brought me a Hope Scarf bracelet and told me all about Lara MacGregor and the mission of Hope Scarves. I emailed Lara and we have not only become friends, she has inspired me to become intimately involved in raising awareness and funding research for metastatic breast cancer.

2. If you donated a scarf please share what this experience meant to you or if you received a scarf and story please share how this impacted your healing journey?

I have been on both the receiving and giving end of the traveling scarves. I received my first scarf, along with instructions on how to tie the scarf, which I loved, because I had no clue! I was so anxious about losing my hair and how I would look. The story of hope that came with the scarf made me feel like I was not alone, and seeing the smile on the face in the photo made me feel stronger. I gained a lot of personal growth during my year in treatment for breast cancer. Passing along the scarf and hope to someone else lifted my spirit in so many ways.

3. What are the things that provided hope and strength to you throughout your battle?

My faith is the greatest thing that has provided me hope and strength throughout my battle with breast cancer. When I was diagnosed the month before my 40th birthday, my friends all got together to show their support. My husband presented me with a necklace engraved with my first initial “c”. When I showed up to the pool that weekend, all of my friends were all wearing that same necklace and it helped me feel surrounded by support. I am very blessed to have such great friends.

4. Where are you currently on your cancer journey? Tell us how you are living life over cancer.

I completed my final radiation treatment on Valentine’s Day 2014. Shortly after that time, I began participating in a clinical trial for ER+ Breast Cancer patients. I will be on the study for one full year. I have also started a non-profit called Twisted Pink whose mission is to exclusively fund metastatic breast cancer research providing a link to a cure.

5. What do you wish other people knew about Hope Scarves?

My true wish is to put Hope Scarves out of business and to end cancer forever. I want people to know that the very person who brought hope to others via Hope Scarves, even though she is among the 20-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer who experience metastasis, she is still smiling and continues to provide hope, awareness and inspiration to others. It is my complete honor to partner with Hope Scarves on this mission see this site.

6. What would you tell someone who is thinking about sending a Hope Scarf to a friend battling cancer?

Do not hesitate! Don’t even ask, just do it!

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

See question 5 above! Same answer.

8. What is your favorite inspirational quote or words to live by?

John 15:5 states “I am the vine, you are the branches”. This quote from the bible keeps me grounded and reminds me that I am here to do Gods work, not fulfill my own agenda.

9. If your friends or family had to describe you in two words, what would those be?

My daughter, age 12, wrote me a letter for Mothers Day and told me that I was the strongest person she has ever met and that I always have a smile on my face. Other people also tell me this, so I guess it is true.☺

10. Please share something you learned having gone through cancer – either as a survivor or as having a loved one with cancer.

I have learned that cancer knows no boundaries and that it prefers the nicest of people. I have learned that doctors are human and can make mistakes and that they deserve a break. I have learned that nurses work way too hard. I have learned that my husband is so much more supportive in the “sickness” part of marriage than I ever imagined him to be! I have learned that when people come together for a good reason and when things are based on Faith, Hope and Love, miracles can and do happen.