Ms. March's story is lovingly sponsored by Dr. Stephan and Jennifer Cummings
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The theme of A Calendar to Live By 2024 is to Write an Optimistic New Narrative. All 12 women who grace its pages have honest, inspiring stories written in their own words to share with readers -- as well as words of advice for other young women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Read on to get to know more about Ms. March 2024.
Kim Davis – Ms. March | Diagnosed at 40 (2020)
I was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 0 after my first mammogram at 40. On December 8, 2020, I had a lumpectomy requiring 2 surgeries but no chemotherapy or radiation. Yet I was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted in ways I had never experienced. I’ve always been resilient, facing life’s crazy obstacles, but I quickly realized that a Stage 0 diagnosis didn’t mean 0 challenges. My maternal grandmother passed from breast cancer, but my diagnosis was still shocking. I didn’t experience any pain, leaking or lumps so DCIS hit me like a ton of bricks. As a single mother raising a teenage son and working in vaccine sciences during the height of a pandemic, I became overwhelmed and anxious with doctors’ appointments and medical bills. Each cancer brick thrown at me, I applied unique strengths to throw back to survive and thrive during illness and recovery. My strengths included willpower, increased faith in God, and positive relationships with an abundance of love. I embodied these strengths to push through difficult times and today I am cancer-free! As a survivor, I am grateful for the unmatched support I received from H4TG. Now a H4TG facilitator, I can give women the positive energy that I received. I didn’t expect a surprise diagnosis of DCIS would lead to this new vocation, but each time I share my story and offer encouragement, I feel inspired to continue.
MY WORD: I AM STRENGTH.