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An excerpt from Kara's story:

"I continued living wild and free. I traveled, I visited many places and experienced many things. I met my life partner and settled down again. Everything was great until it wasn’t. I received a call from my mother that my dad had a heart attack, and I ran as fast as I could back home. My dad did not make it. We lost him this time. I lost my confidante, and I had no idea what to do. I decided to do what my dad would have wanted. I became the family confidante. I was the one my family turned to for help and advice. My dad and I were so remarkably similar that everyone knew they could come to me. But who could I turn to? Where could I go? Who would take care of me?

Nine months later, I would face the scariest journey I had ever taken. I was told I had triple negative breast cancer just before my youngest son’s first birthday. I learned later it is one of the most aggressive forms and there are limited options for treatment. I once again became the wild horse that would do things her way. I was bullied by the doctors, they tried to instill fear into me. They wanted me to do treatment their way, but I wouldn’t allow it. I knew better. I knew my body. I elected to pursue integrative medicine. If I had to do conventional for the sake of my children, then I would incorporate holistic as well. I did what I wanted on my terms. I healed myself, mind – body-spirit. I made all my decisions based on my overall survival, not fear. I never asked God why this happened to me? I knew there was a purpose, a reason for all of this and what I had to endure. Though I may not have understood it, I knew it served a purpose.

So, off I went into the wild. My son is now 6 years old, I am 5 years cancer free, and I do not regret any of my decisions. I believe my wild horse spirit is here to heal and help others."

For more information, visit guardanthealth.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdiqPH-w1iWHUiC4yfgecTIlr703lqw57&si=Ai8lVX93vYJsGDJP

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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

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An excerpt from her story:

"Throughout my cancer journey, music has been my constant companion, guiding me through the darkest moments and lifting my spirits when all seemed lost. The lyrics of “Lean on Me” became a lifeline, reminding me that I was not alone.

As I emerged from the depths of treatment, I realized that my life had been transformed into a triumphant symphony. The cancer had not broken me; it had made me stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

Reflecting on my life’s soundtrack, I am grateful for the melodies shaping my experiences. The songs of Motown and Christianity have become the soundtrack of my resilience, my triumph, and my unwavering faith. They have reminded me that even when the notes are low and the lyrics are heartbreaking, there is always hope for a beautiful symphony to emerge.

And so, the soundtrack of my life continues to play, each song a testament to the power of the human spirit, the healing nature of music, and the transformative love of God.

Today, “Take Me to the King” stands as a testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and the healing embrace of Christian music. My soundtrack has evolved into a beautiful symphony that will continue to play, inspiring me and others to face life’s challenges with courage and grace."

For more information, visit guardanthealth.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdiqPH-w1iWHUiC4yfgecTIlr703lqw57&si=Ai8lVX93vYJsGDJP

You can also follow us on our Story Crafting Community page: https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

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Excerpt from Nelia's Story:

"Amidst the barrage of treatments and doctor’s visits, there lies a quiet, unyielding force that propelled me to move forward. It was not found in the sterile halls of the hospital or the vast expanse of online medical literature. It was in the gentle, reassuring grip of my husband’s hand, the one that had not loosened since the day the words, “you have cancer” disrupted our lives. His unspoken promise that this was just another obstacle we had to overcome together. Steve’s unwavering support was my haven, and my fears were met with hope.

And then there are my children - Cassandra, Alexander, and Sophie Angelina - each a unique beacon of light in the darkest times. The fear of leaving them behind haunted the corners of my mind, a quiet whisper in the night that threatened to unravel me. Yet, it is this very fear that kindled the fire within me, a flame of determination that could not be extinguished. My children are the anchors that tether me to this world, the reasons I fight this battle with every ounce of my strength.

In the intricate mosaic that is my life’s stained-glass window, every fragment represents a cherished story or a treasured memory. The love and resilience of my family are infused in each luminous silhouette. United, we form an exquisite work of art, born of affection and an unbreakable connection. Along with the sunlight, we embrace the darkness, for both illuminate the profound beauty of our familial bond."

For more information, visit guardanthealth.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdiqPH-w1iWHUiC4yfgecTIlr703lqw57&si=Ai8lVX93vYJsGDJP

You can also follow us on our Story Crafting Community page: https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories

Support the show

Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com