From Football to Faith: My Unexpected Cancer Journey
When I was invited to speak at a cancer survivor event this December, something unexpected happened. Though public speaking usually makes me nervous, sharing my cancer story fills me with purpose – each telling is an opportunity to inspire hope in others. The organizers asked all 120 expected attendees to bring an ornament for the tree, and mine raised quite a few eyebrows among those who know me well.
Why a football ornament? The story behind it tells itself in this video.
My journey goes beyond just the football story. As a two-time cancer survivor, my second battle began as a mysterious illness that eventually led to a stage 4 diagnosis. But through it all, I was blessed with extraordinary people who became my support system.
There was Sonya, the cancer center's incredible greeter, whose words of love and encouragement never failed to lift my spirits. On New Year's Eve 2019, as I headed in for my final round of chemo, we captured this special moment together.
My remarkable oncologist, Dr. Craig Boddy, has been there throughout this journey. From our first meeting in 2019….
…to reuniting at this recent event in 2024, his care has been unwavering.
And of course, as you saw in the video, there were those amazing nurses who brought smiles to even my darkest days. During treatment, I found joy in creating cards for them – a small way to express my gratitude for their boundless compassion.
While I was being treated I would bring them cards to bless them as often as I was able.
For this special event, I wanted to continue spreading joy through my craft. Through my new prayer and paper crafting ministry, I created favor boxes for all attendees – both staff and survivors. Working on these boxes filled my heart with purpose, knowing each one would carry a message of hope to someone who might need it.
It was a JOY to work on these together knowing that they would be a blessing to those attending this special event.
As 2024 draws to a close, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. Grateful to God for healing, grateful for the opportunity to craft with purpose, and incredibly grateful for each person who walked alongside me during my cancer journey. Your love, support, prayers, and encouragement carried me through my most challenging days.
I share my story, hoping it reminds others that life's unexpected challenges can become stepping stones to greater strength. As we enter a new year, I encourage you to view each challenge not as a setback but as an opportunity to grow in faith rather than fear. Remember, you're never alone on this journey.
Let's continue being lights of hope and encouragement for one another. Happy New Year
With love and blessings,
Cindy
