Sound familiar? You’re probably wondering why I’m tossing a little Kelly Clarkson around a card making blog, lol. Well, this past week someone shared the most inspiring video with me. Megan Kowalewski was just 23 years old when she discovered a lump on the side of her neck that turned out to be Hodgkins Lymphoma. This young lady has been an inspiration to me this week. No, I don’t have cancer – but like many of you probably do, I know people who are fighting it.
I’m inspired by Megan because of the grace and strength with which she is fighting for her life, and because she’s not allowing the cancer to define who she is. She’s had her ups and downs throughout her journey. In fact, she was declared cancer free in April of 2012 only to be told that the cancer had come back in May of 2012. Although I’m sure there were moments of sadness, anger, and fear, she did not allow her second diagnosis to defeat her. Instead, she got back into the wrestling ring and kept on fighting, and fighting, and fighting, and to this day she continues to fight.
I encourage you to visit Megan’s Cancer Journey Facebook Page and her YouTube channel. She has documented every step of her journey through photos and videos. It takes determination to fight a disease like cancer so bravely and Megan has that hands-down. Be prepared to spend some time there, because, if you are anything like me, you will be captivated by her courage and positive attitude.
I’ll admit that I cried watching this video … not because it’s sad, but because it’s so inspiring and moving. Her transparency in sharing her story with the world is something to be admired.
If I have learned just one thing from Megan, it’s to never give up and never lose hope, even when the situation I’m in looks too difficult to face and nearly impossible to handle. I have faith and I know that God is with me in times of difficulty and that nothing is impossible for Him, but, as easy as that is for me to say, it’s so much harder to live out. Sometimes I need to be reminded of that Truth, and for me, God used Megan to remind me of that this week. Thanks God … and thanks, Megan!
Tomorrow’s freebie sentiment is inspired by Megan. I look forward to sharing it with you!
What an inspiring story Sharon. Thanks so much for sharing this. On my blog, I'm always trying to impart the idea that you can't give up, that no matter how difficult the situation, try and find the peace within, grasp onto something outside of yourself, even a friend's hand and keep trying. I myself have been in a very dark place and if I can help just one person with an inspiring thought to keep plugging through, I will have done my job. You are right, sometimes all we need is a little reminder, a nudge in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Thanks for this post. What doesn't kill us make us stronger. I hope and pray she will win in her fight. The video is really inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI am Megan's mother and I filmed her Stronger video. I thank you all so very much for your support and prayers! My daughter's bravery and fortitude in this two-year fight is what gives me the strength to get through each day. She truly is MY hero; as is every one who is fighting the fight. Megan endured 5 different chemo regimens, a stem-cell transplant, and has just finished the new Proton radiation therapy at the University of Penna. We will find out next week what is next. Hopefully, this will all be behind us very, very soon! Again, I thank you for your support and very kind words :)
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