Hi everyone and thank you for taking the time to let me tell you my story. I am a self-employed esthetician and makeup artist, serving as the Houston Rockets’ official makeup artist sponsor for the past five years.  A lifelong Humble resident of six generations, I am deeply rooted in my community and very passionate about giving back.  I lead as Head of the Humble Rodeo Pageant and Coordinator of Special Kids Day, a non-profit program that connects Humble ISD special needs students and FFA members for hands-on agricultural learning and inclusion.  Outside of my beauty career and community work, I am a proud mom of two boys, ages 5 and 7, who are active in baseball, football, and Humble 4-H.  I try to live my life reflecting dedication of family, community, and the beauty of helping others shine inside and out.

I turned 36 on August 16th, and on August 18th, while doing a self-check before hopping into the bath, I found a lump in my left breast!  I made a call to my OBGYN, and luckily, they got me in fast for a mammogram and ultrasound.  I left the doctor that day devastated, scared, sick to my stomach, with tears in my eyes.  I was diagnosed with stage 3, triple-negative invasive ductal carcinoma, and told that the cancer was in my lymph nodes.  I’m only 36!!!  My husband and I are supposed to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks!  What do you mean I have Breast Cancer… and it is spreading!??   I was told that this cancer is aggressive, harder to cure, and with it being in my lymph nodes, it is more likely to spread through my body.  We had to act fast!  Chemo would start within a month, and I would lose my hair, not be able to work as much, since I would be getting chemo weekly, and I would need to slow down and focus on my health.  Slow down… I don’t slow down, I don’t know how!

My first thought was my kids… my whole purpose in life is being a mom to my two boys, Liam, 7, and Luke, 5.  They are busy with sports and Humble 4-H.  I don’t want to miss any of their events!  Also, how will I explain to them all the scary things that come with the word “Cancer”? Then the other thoughts come pouring in.. my husband Chris, my job… I’m self-employed, and my clients, all of the community volunteer work that I’m dedicated to. How will life go on!?  How will I do this!?  I leaned hard into my faith, and every day I walk with the Lord, knowing that he will get me through this hard journey.

The struggle with Cancer is SO real.  It truly robs you of everything and strips you down to your core.. emotionally, mentally, physically, financially. It’s hard, the hardest thing a family can face.  The thing with Cancer is that it doesn’t just affect you, but your family and everyone around you.  I’m so thankful to be surrounded by amazing family, friends, and a loving community.