Natalee – Glendale, CA

Solidarity.  Natalee’s husband shaved his head when Natalee lost her hair.  A sign of support and reminder that we face cancer as a family.  

What brought you hope as you faced cancer?

A little hummingbird made its nest outside my window while I was in treatment.  I watched it every day.  I watched it build its nest, lay eggs, feed it’s babies.  I left like if this small little bird could be so energetic and strong I could too.  Hummingbirds will always remind me of this experience.  My faith and support group also brought me hope. My husband is awesome and has a gift for caring and praying for me.  He was by my side and brought me comfort.  Knowing so many other women have gone through this helped me realize I am not alone.  I thought, if they can do it – I can do it.

How do you live life over cancer?

I live one day at a time. I find joy in the little things, look for the beauty amidst difficulties, and celebrate every day as my birthday.

How did you become connected with Hope Scarves? 

A friend on facebook posted about a friend going through treatment who had received a Hope Scarf.  I thought that sounded really neat so I googled it and requested a scarf for myself during treatment.  It was so nice to be connected to other people going through something similar.

What do you wish other people knew about Hope Scarves?

I wish more people just simply knew about it.   Especially in California. I received a scarf and story when I was in treatment and then later donated a box of scarves and beanies to help someone else.  I wrote my story and each of the scarves I sent will go out with my words of encouragement to someone else.  It’s neat to know my experience and scarves are helping someone else.

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

I would tell them to do it!

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

For I know the plans I have for you.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

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

Strong, giving, determined (stubborn), faithful

Please share something you learned facing cancer.

Cancer gives you a whole new life story.  The day to day life you knew changes completely.  I had an idea of how I saw our life unfolding, but cancer gave us a totally different reality. I became so much more aware of how fragile life is.