Casey Baldwin

Survivor

Reflecting at 1 Year Cancer Free

My story begun in February 2023 at the age of 33. That call and those words hit me like a ton of bricks. How can something like this happen? Why me? So many thoughts and feelings run through your head, but all I knew is I needed to be strong. Be a light. Show others going through darkness that it’s ok to be sad. To be vulnerable. To ask for help. Learn to lean on the support of others… Last year I completed 16 rounds of chemo followed by a double mastectomy and a full hysterectomy to round out the year… as I reflect on last year as I come up to my 1 year cancer free anniversary, all I can think of is how I have changed my view on so many things in this life. Truly see what’s important and what isn’t. Finally realizing the people and things I should be spending my time and focus on. And learning to let go of the other things that don’t bring value to my life. I am putting myself and my health first. As a mom and wife, I never did that before. Having a positive mindset has helped me through all of this. And I hope to continue sharing my story to not only bring awareness that this horrible thing can happen when we least expect it, but it doesn’t have to define you. And to let others know it’s ok to be vulnerable. To be honest and open. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Life is tough. But you don’t have to do the hard parts alone. We are all stronger than we realize.