October 12, 2019.
After a fair and blissful Saturday morning, the most anticipated moment of the day turned one step closer: the distinct call of “Survivors! Line up.”
My mom and I, along with other hundreds of survivors, gathered for the commencement of the annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Survivor Ceremony. When the walk began, a bright shade of deep pink was reflected by the sun and immediately scattered across Bayfront Park.
As the multiple rows began to fill up on the stage, I immediately recognized my mom’s radiant smile. While I glanced at her, I vividly reflected on all of the hardships that she went through, yet she still had a positive mindset of perseverance — she still smiled back then. Every year, reliving that exact moment — seeing my mom stand on stage as a fighter and winner — is the sole reason as to why I continue to challenge myself and surpass my set limits to the next level.
It’s all for her, and it will always be for her.
Seeing the faces of all the other breast cancer survivors on that stage made me wonder: how were they able to stay strong even with the constant fear of possibly leaving behind those they love?
But, attending this walk for the past five years did help me understand one thing: there is more to just surviving breast cancer.
Surviving means adjusting to life after battle scars. Surviving means realizing that they are stronger and more beautiful than they ever realized. Surviving means living with a fresh perspective on life. Surviving means that they made it through a physical, emotional, and spiritual battle— and whether their battle was a quick, ephemeral fight, or a continuous, seemingly-perpetual struggle only one thing ultimately mattered: they all became survivors.
