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An excerpt from Kayla's Story:

"I had watched as matriarchs of my family received diagnoses of their own years earlier, well-on into their 70’s. I witnessed the toll treatments took and the way they rose to the occasion, each in her own way. Both reminding me that with the right amount of grit and grace, anything in life is possible.

5 years. 5 years since this journey began. 5 years ago marks my “before.” Today I’m still navigating through my “after” and “tomorrow” and balancing being present to soak in my “here and now.”

While cancer does not define who I am, it has, very much, become the fabric of my being. Something I will forever recognize, discuss, celebrate and grieve milestones of.

The reflection is clearer now. Just like the mirror, she has layers. A deep, dark, layer holding close to my inner thoughts and fears. Next, a reflective coating. Taking the best moments and lessons and showing them to me in the most beautiful way possible. And lastly, the glass. This glass is stronger now, having been forged through fire. This glass has been tempered by the heat. Meant to withstand. Just like the woman staring back at me.

Deep down there are ashes swirling around themselves, ready to resurrect, to rise again. She will never be the same again. Thrown into the dark, walking straight into the fire, her wings are spreading. Illuminating the way. “For what is to give light, endure the burning.”

I am standing in the ashes of who I used to be. I am Kayla. Strong, resilient, wholehearted. I am not scared of the fire. I am the fire."

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