A Believer and A Fighter.

2 years ago, when I was only 26 years old, I was given the most heart-wrenching news I had ever received. A doctor called me and told me I had the dreadful C word, CANCER! What she didn't know at the time was cancer didn't have me and no matter how hard it tried it never would. See I cried for a few short minutes after that and then I looked up to God and then down at my son, I got up from the floor and went on about my life. See I was prepared to fight and I knew God had my back! That was something I fought with all my life. Whether God truly had me. It wasn't really until then that I knew it! I had received a special gift that day. A gift I had always heard of, but never experienced myself. It was a PEACE that surpassed all understanding. People always ask me why I am able to smile all the time and why I act as if cancer has not been apart of my life. It is because I PRAY. It is because so many people, even people I do not know pray! I keep that little P.E.T.E.R. band on so much that I have a light ring around my wrist. I have to keep it on. I have to be reminded that prayer is the only way that I can take on Cancer. It is my armor, my shield, my boxing gloves, MY STRENGTH when I am weak! I don't think I have ever prayed this much in my life besides when my son was in the N.I.C.U. I BEAT cancer last summer 2016. After chemotherapy, 5 surgeries and radiation, I was able to proclaim, "I AM A SURVIVOR!" I thought back to how this all started. How I had to make the mammography doctor examine me because she had checked benign on my paper because she thought I was TOO YOUNG to get a mammogram. I wouldn't take "No" for an answer and I still have that sheet where she scribbled away the check-mark by the word "benign" and placed a mark by Mass found/Biopsy needed. I was in remission for a year! I did it! I was overjoyed.

A little known fact is that it came back this past summer 2017. This is a battle I feel I am well equipped for. I did it before! I will do it again! Sure the medicines may be different and the side effects may effect me more, but I did it. I now have less unknowns and an unshakable faith! I am still at peace because for the most part I PRAY EVERYDAY TO EXPECT RESULTS! :)

-Kimberly Staples

Kim went to be with the Lord, August 17, 2018. She fought a great fight and will forever be missed by all.