I have been a RN for over 23 years and have recently started working as a nurse practitioner. I live in Almond, WI just down the road from my family's farm where I was raised. My first diagnosis of breast cancer was in January 2017 which required me to have a lumpectomy and radiation treatments. During my radiation treatments, I decided to go back to school for my bachelor's degree in nursing (previously only had an associates degree). After receiving my bachelor's degree, I decided to continue to go for my master's degree in nursing for family nurse practitioner. While finishing my first semester of NP school, I was diagnosed again with breast cancer in November 2018. I decided I would only continue school if I didn't require chemotherapy treatment. Luckily, I only needed a double mastectomy which I had during Christmas break and continued with school in January. I was really struggling with my image after having a mastectomy and was given information about the Breast Cancer Recovery retreats from my breast cancer navigator. After looking at the brochure, I thought maybe this is just what I need to help me through this rough time so I signed up for a retreat in 2019.
Attending the retreat at the Osthoff Resort in 2019 was the best thing that has happened to me throughout this difficult journey. I was able to meet some amazing people and found out that others had similar feelings and fears that I was having. Finally, there was someone that understood me and made me feel that it was acceptable to feel the way I did. They also helped me get past my difficult time and teach me ways to deal with certain issues. I truly feel the retreat was a blessing from above and besides not only did it tremendously help me, I feel I was able to help others who were there with me. I continue to be a strong supporter of the Breast Cancer Recovery and would love to continue to help other breast cancer survivors.
Becoming a Breast Cancer Recovery board member would allow me to continue to help spread the word about this amazing organization and I have several ideas for fundraising to help it grow. I would love to help the Breast Cancer Recovery organization become well known throughout the state of Wisconsin so we can continue to help as many breast cancer survivors as possible as much as it has helped me.
Email to a Friend