Just minutes into my lunch hour on April 24, 2009, the phone rang.  I had breast cancer.

In a whirlwind of minutes, decisions were made that affected the rest of my life.  Amongst all of this I did not once ask, “Am I going to die because I have no money or insurance?”

With my diagnosis I was inducted into the “Pink Ribbon Club”. This was a place where everyone gives and where each person matters. I became part of a place where everyone seeking help is welcomed.

I was no stranger to the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, but I had no idea just how big their helping hands were.  I was not judged because I did not have insurance.  Nor was I turned away because I made little money.  I was treated with respect.  I never worried about whether I could afford a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.  I followed my doctor’s guidelines and after a year of treatment I was diagnosed with Lymphedema.  Again, the Komen Denver Metropolitan Affiliate stepped up to bat.

I was given the opportunity to heal my body, my mind, and my spirit.  In the aftermath of breast cancer, I can finally start to breathe.  Cancer forever changed my life.  I walk alert, noticing the flowers and stopping to smell them.  I don’t worry as much anymore about the little stuff.  Instead, I put my own troubles aside to be there for someone in need.  When looking back over this last year I express incredible gratitude to the Komen Denver Metropolitan Affiliate – the organization that gave me my life because I matter.

By: Samaara

* To read more of Samaara’s story please visit her blog at www.killerliving.com