Alecia Dennis

Survivor

September 29, 2014 my life forever changed. I was diagnosed with IDC Breast Cancer at the young age of 26. When you hear about Breast Cancer, no one talks about anyone being in their 20s. Everything I have ever read was about women in their 60s and young being considered diagnosis in your 40s. I have endured 2 surgeries (about to be 3), 16 chemotherapy treatments, and IVF. All of this is a lot to handle on it’s own, but I also was only 26, 2 hours away from any family, had a toddler at home, and a husband who just started his first teaching job. It was a lot. My husband and I faced more together in our three years of marriage, than most people do in a lifetime. Saying my family was shocked when they heard the news would be an understatement, but everyone adopted my attitude of “Fight Like a Girl” and we’ve never looked back. My family came together in a way I had never seen before. Everyone rallied around me and gave me the encouragement and support I needed. I would not be where I am today without my family and friends. I have come out of this awful situation with a better outlook on life, forever “breast” friends, and a family that I know will walk to the end of the earth for me. For these things I am forever grateful.