Amy – Iowa

Amy received a Hope Scarf in 2015 and has since returned this and other scarves and added her story to encourage another person facing cancer.   She lives life to the fullest with metastatic breast cancer and treasures her time with family and friends.

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

I am running in my third ½ Marathon this August.  I’m an avid golfer.

How do you live life over cancer?

I try to live life just like everyone else, daily activities, and have lots of intermingling with my family and friends.

How did you become connected with Hope Scarves? Whether you received, sent or donated a Hope Scarf, what did this experience mean to you?

I received a scarf while undergoing chemo in 2015.  It wasn’t the fact of receiving a scarf (I could afford to buy them), it was the feeling that there are others out there that are in the same boat.  It made me feel not so alone.

What do you wish other people knew about Hope Scarves?

It is a website I was given (and I’m not sure who from) which like I stated above, makes you realize you are hardly the only person going through this ugly disease.  It was encouraging hearing the story from the lady that sent my scarf to me.

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

I would say a Hope Scarf is a wonderful gift to give to someone in need of encouragement during chemotherapy and beyond.

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

My dream is that a cure is found for Metastatic Breast Cancer and also what is causing so many to be diagnosed with breast cancer.  My goal for the future is to enjoy life, keep stress to a minimum, and above all enjoy my husband, children & grandchildren.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

There is always hope for a better tomorrow.

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

I am a hard worker.  I give love easily to my family and friends.  I try and inspire those I love to achieve the most out of life, whatever that may be for them.

Please share something you learned facing cancer.

Well, I consider myself surviving, not “a survivor”.  I am disillusioned by the “survivor” term, when I read that 30% of all original breast cancers will metastasize sometime in one’s lifetime.  Mine took nine years.

When first diagnosed with MBC in 2015, two months before my dearest friend of 42 years died extremely suddenly (I’m the one that found her) and she was my age, 55.  We were on a trip, and I thought after my diagnosis how lucky I am that if I pass from this cancer at least I can say goodbye to my loved ones.  I can make plans.  There is time to tell loved ones how I feel about them.  There is time to spread a little of my legacy.  Whereas, she was not able to.  I think of this quite often when I start to feel sorry for myself and realize truly I am lucky.