Happy Summer! It’s July already and we are halfway through a year of examining what leads all of us to be “inspired” to be a part of the H4TG family. It started with a single word; many of you shared that the word “discover” or “discovery” instills a feeling of being inspired, especially after last year. Words strung together then created inspirational stories of connection to H4TG. Below is one story, sent to me by Kisha, sharing what inspires her to be connected to H4TG.
I found H4TG at a time when I needed them most. I was diagnosed January 29, 2016. After that, it was a whirlwind of events. My family and friends rallied around me. I kept my feelings bottled up inside for fear of upsetting them even more. I continued with my “before cancer” life during treatment. My teenage son needed me. I wanted his life to seem as normal as it was before my diagnosis. I had no time for tears. So unfortunate for me! During that time, I did not have anyone to “talk” to. I searched for support groups but did not find one that seemed like a good fit for me. I continued to look. One day in February 2017 I was watching the news and information was being shared about Here for the Girls. At that moment I realized I may have found a support group that was right for me. Coincidentally there was a meeting that night. I reached out to H4TG after the segment and was connected with Melissa. I went to the meeting and the rest is history. I found women with a similar story as mine that could relate to what I was going through. I was finally able to cry. I have developed so many relationships over these past 4 years. I cannot imagine not having my “Boober” sisters in my life. This is why I stay connected with H4TG!
Kisha’s story, for me, gave a new perspective, one that further instills a feeling of being inspired to be a part of the H4TG family! Her words are unique to her story and they connect us, as the listener, to an understanding of her personal journey.
Stories can also be told through images. As the adage states, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Much information can be conveyed through an image, and images can capture a story in one instant. A picture can tell an inspirational story of encouragement or motivation, and unlike the written word, it has no language barrier. Some of life’s greatest experiences are captured in a picture.
At H4TG, we LOVE images – we use them to complement a story or a quote, and many times we use them as a stand-alone message. Our images show happiness, joy, sadness, (many times) uncertainty, AND they all tell a story that inspires us to be here for young women facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
Is there a particular image that comes to mind when you think about Here for the Girls? It may be a simple picture or one that carries a deeper meaning. Please send us your pics and help us this quarter to create a collage of images, all joined together, that will share a story of inspiration.
There is a special passion for the mission of H4TG that ties us all together, one that leads us to continue expanding the impact of H4TG’s support for young women.
Here’s to a Healthy + Inspired 2021,
Chris Schwab