In life, everyone is presented with opportunities for personal growth. Some of these opportunities present themselves as pleasant moments of joy and inspiration, while others arrive disguised as challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones. What we choose to do with these challenges often determines how much personal growth we’ll experience.
There have been experiences in my life that have challenged me and helped me grow.
Into the Unknown
One of my very first blog posts highlights my leap from a full-time job into the unknown. I finally reached the point in my life where I understood that my mental health needed to be prioritized over a steady paycheck. This experience helped me lean into hearing God’s voice for direction and guidance for the next step in my life.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding. -Proverbs 3:5 NLT
It wasn’t the easiest process waiting for God to show me what to do next, but I trusted that He knew my needs and had a better plan for my life. It wasn’t long before a door opened for me to work with my husband. We still work together today, and the freedom and joy I experience being a part of building a business might not have been discovered had I not let go of a “sure thing”.
Strengthened by Cancer
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'” -Eleanor Roosevelt
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, I had no idea how much the experience would lead to my personal growth. If you’ve ever been in a situation where you were blindsided with a devastating diagnosis, “How is this going to help me grow?” was probably not the first question on your mind.
I consider myself an introvert, and there’s no way I could have predicted how passionate I would become about sharing my story. After completing my treatments, it became my mission to share hope and encouragement with anyone going through the rigors of cancer treatments. Without reservation, I said yes to marketing, speaking, and fundraising opportunities that allowed me to share my story on larger platforms. If you would have told me that walking down a runway in a campaign promoting cancer fundraising was in my future, I would have said, “No way! Not me.”
Golden Cleats Combine
In June 2024, I was asked to be one of the survivor models for Golden Cleats Combine. This women’s only event promoting health and wellness was hosted by former LSU coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui Kelly, who beat breast cancer twice. I wrote a brief bio about my breast cancer journey, and it was read while I was escorted down the runway by LSU linebacker Whit Weeks. That was a moment of triumph!
Geaux Pink
September 2024 brought the invitation to model again in a fundraising campaign for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, the hospital where my oncologist and radiation oncologist are based. The Geaux Pink campaign raises funds for vital patient services at the hospital. Sweet Baton Rouge, a small clothing business in the Baton Rouge metro area, creates shirts that are sold with the purpose of giving a portion of the proceeds to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
Standing in front of the camera with other survivors and oncology physicians was another moment of growth in my journey. The CEO of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Jonas Fontenot, PhD, MBA, was also present to help promote the campaign. I’m not immune to judging myself when I take photos. I let that all go because I was there to have fun and promote a great local cause. Participating in this campaign led to being invited to be a member of the Echo Alliance, a group of women moving cancer care forward in my local community.
Last year, I received an email from the Senior Director of Community Philanthropy & Engagement at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Prior to the 2024 Geaux Pink photo shoot, we communicated via email about the details of the campaign and met each other in person for the first time at Mary Bird. The email asked if I would be interested in returning for the 2025 Geaux Pink campaign as a Pink Partner to raise funds for the hospital.
Here was another opportunity for growth. I was already comfortable in front of the camera, but this request scared me at first. In all my years as a survivor I had never reached out to friends and family to raise funds of any type for a cancer organization. Despite the fear, I made up my mind to participate for 2 reasons:
- Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center is where my care team is based. My doctors at the hospital provided top tier care during my journey. Every day, I am thankful for being seen and heard. I never felt like a cancer patient.
- I knew that every dollar I raised would remain in my local community. I am active in a number of survivorship groups, and am aware of the challenges with transportation and finances. My fundraising efforts would benefit someone that I considered a friend or neighbor in the community.
The photo shoot went smoothly, and I dedicated October to my fundraising campaign. I used my social media outlets and reached out to family and friends for donations. During my survivorship support groups, I shared the vision of the Geaux Pink campaign. I’m thankful for every person that believed in me and the vision of helping others in the fight against cancer. They are the reason reached my goal.
Taking the step to become a fundraising partner with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center strengthened my resolve to continue being an advocate for others in the cancer community.
Bloom – A Survivorship Luncheon
"The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all."
-Disney's Mulan
In 2024, Woman’s Hospital hosted the first Bloom luncheon for breast and gynecological cancer survivors. The luncheon included a lesson in creating floral arrangements, a light lunch, and an inspirational speech by a survivor. I remember sitting at my table and thinking how much I would enjoy sharing my story with this very special audience.
Before the 2025 Bloom luncheon, I received a call from Woman’s Hospital. The survivor that was scheduled to deliver the speech decided against being in front of a large audience. I was asked if I wanted to step in and share my story. I felt that every public event I had participated in up to this point strengthened me for this moment. I did not hesitate to answer; I said yes.
The day brought joy to my heart. I shared my story with an audience that never heard it before. Even more special than giving this speech was the fact that my surgical oncologist was there to hear my speech. I was able to give her flowers for the instrumental role she played in my journey (pun intended).
Speaking of giving someone their flowers, Woman’s Hospital gifted me with a gorgeous floral arrangement. That day I went home with two beautiful sets of flowers.
Adversity and Growth
As we advance in life it becomes more and more difficult, but in fighting the difficulties the inmost strength of the heart is developed. -Vincent Van Gogh
Personal growth that comes as the result of adversity is uncomfortable.
It’s difficult and challenging.
In my life, adversity has opened doors to opportunity. From leaving my full-time job to my growth over the past 5 years of survivorship, my hidden potential has been revealed. I have been able to create a positive impact in my own life and in the lives of those around me.
LET’S TALK!
When have you noticed the most growth in your life?
How does acknowledging growth help you thrive?
In what ways has strength helped you triumph through adversity?
this is beautiful!✨ you grow like a flower everyday!
Thank you for your encouraging comment!🌷
This is an amazing article and very inspirational.
Thank you! Each year gives me opportunities to grow.