When I first got diagnosed with breast cancer, I reacted like most do — the first thought being “death sentence”. Then, a few years later, when I was diagnosed with colon cancer,  I questioned everything: “Why me? What had I done so bad to have this thrown upon me?”

Shifting My Mindset:  Awakening, Strength & Renewal

I didn't have the answers, so rather than give-up, I resolved to shift my perspective.  I needed to find new hope, to find purpose. I decided cancer didn’t have to be a death sentence.  Eventually, after going through trials and tribulations, I had an awakening. An awakening to what truly mattered in life. I found the true meaning of beauty and learned to see myself as someone who is blessed to be alive.

Even when chemotherapy and radiation took a toll on my body, I found myself looking in the mirror and seeing more than just the physical changes. I saw a woman who had faced something unimaginable and lived to tell a story of renewed strength and confidence.

Yes, there were days I wasn’t happy with the way I looked after surgery, or the pain I had to endure.  But instead of feeling sorry for myself, I began to embrace what I was grateful for — I still had my life, and I would live it to the fullest. 

Beyond the Scars: Redefining Beauty from Within

As I healed, I discovered true beauty is within and when you feel beautiful on the inside, it shows so clearly on the outside. Just because I had cancer, didn't mean cancer had me. I became my own cheering section, reminding myself every day that I was more than my diagnosis, more than the scars left on my body. I am still here, and that is a blessing.

Life is precious, and we don't realize it until we come close to losing it. When I think of the “gift of life” that was given to me twice over, I knew I did not have a moment to waste. I would never say having or going through cancer is a gift.  But surviving it, receiving a second and third chance at life to spend with your family --- that is the gift.

Discovering Hope and Purpose Through Writing

I knew I had a second chance at life, and I wanted to make the most of it. That’s when I found healing in writing.  One day, as if by divine inspiration, I was moved to write a poem called “Peace.” I kept writing, pouring my pain and hope into poems that eventually filled a book.   I never planned on becoming a writer, but cancer gave me a new beginning, and hopefully my poems and story will give others the gift of new hope too. 

Because each day is an opportunity to live fully and purposefully. I  share my story, hoping to be an inspiration for someone else who is ill or otherwise.  I want to empower them to develop the strength to embrace life in a whole new way. You are more than your circumstances. Embrace your scars and mishaps. Know that true beauty comes from within.

The journey isn’t easy, and not everyone will survive it. But there is power in fighting with all your heart and holding on to hope. Through faith, love, and a strong belief in ourselves, we can overcome anything. You have a purpose, and through that purpose, faith, compassion, and strength, your true beautiful self is revealed.

Embracing Life: A Message of Strength and Faith

If you or someone you know is facing this battle, remember: you are not alone, and your story isn’t over. Have faith, fight with all you have, and hold on—your true self is waiting to shine through.

Meet Karen Rice