Guillermina Perez My Journey

I detected a lump in my right breast in May 2018. Because there is no history of breast cancer in my family, it was something I never imagined having to deal with in my life. After four surgeries and chemotherapy, the most pain I felt was how this would impact my two daughters. I am grateful for my friends, family, co-workers, providers, and Thriving Pink – they were all there for me. I developed such close friendships, and have a deeper appreciation for life.

 

Nurse Chasity at the Davis Sutter Infusion Center gave me a Thriving Pink comfort bag and told me about the non-profit organization. In Thriving Pink I found a sisterhood of support and compassion that inspired me to keep positive, stay motivated, and pay it forward.

 

I recommend the Thriving Pink workshops with their focus on wellness, resilience, and support from your diagnosis through the life challenges that follow. There are several workshops per month, some are medical workshops and others focus on peer-to-peer connection. After each workshop there is the opportunity to openly share stories and ask questions in a safe place.

 

Last year, Thriving Pink increased their Spanish outreach with their first Spanish workshop by Dr. Silva. They make phone calls, visit businesses, and make their information available to a wider audience.

 

Here are a few words of wisdom to share: “Dealing with cancer is not easy, but it is do-able. Attitude is everything. Eventually, you learn not to sweat the little stuff. It also gives you courage to live your life to the fullest and do the unimaginable.”

 

This story was developed in partnership with @KLJ Studios in Woodland