The other day I was driving by my mom's Oncologists office, and started on a random thoughts roller coaster ride. I boarded the roller coaster thinking about how much stress I feel just driving by the office even now.

Then the first loop-de-loop..the beginning of what is promised to be a wild ride.

The thought that I absolutely resent people saying my mom (or anyone for that matter) "lost" her battle with cancer. She was a warrior. Her courage and bravery was not only inspirational, but life changing. "Lost" is such a condescending word to me. It was even in her obituary! I absolutely despise it!

Then a sudden incline.. your mind filling with uncertainty...

"How do I get people to understand that she did not "lose"?"

The sudden drop...the wind in your face, the rush of adrenaline shooting through your body....
"Cancer did NOT win!"

There are no winners or losers in the battle against cancer, there are only warriors.

To imply that one "lost" would be to imply that cancer has a preference of who it attacks. Cancer is relentless. There are no intended targets in this war. Cancer does not care what sex you are, what color you are, how much money you make. Cancer is a blind and vicious killer.

I know that my chances of getting cancer are high.

I know that my daughters chances of having to deal with breast cancer are even higher (Rex's grandma had breast cancer too ).

So, after the roller coaster ride had come to a stop, I had an epiphany. A mission statement really. Maybe even a theme for me getting healthy.

"I will not allow cancer to take anything else away from me!"

I lost my mom to cancer. She didn't lose, we did; so I will spend my life beating cancer. I will defeat cancer. I will be victorious by eating well, exercising, raising awareness and money to help make the dream of a cure a reality, and teaching my children the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Even with all my preventative efforts I may have my own personal battle with cancer someday, and so be it. I know how to fight, I had the best example of that.

Cancer does not have to be my destiny. As long as I know that I have done everything in my power to prevent it, I am a winner.

This is what I think about when the alarm goes off at 4:30 every morning!

This is my inspiration.