I Chose To Bloom When Cancer Disrupted My Life

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month and as a leukemia lymphoma survivor I feel a responsibility to share. How does a cancer patient, caregiver or co-survivor choose to bloom when cancer disrupts life? Three years ago, I had to ask myself that question when a double blood cancer diagnosis showed up without warning.

Every area of my life was touched, torn and in some ways, taken away. I had no idea what I was going to experience but I learned so much throughout the entire process as I submitted to the journey. It was rough but I got through it and emerged with an awareness that I had a responsibility to inform others.

Consequently, when loved ones and friends revealed their cancer diagnosis to me, I knew that I had to write. I had to tell the raw, real realities so that people would receive instruction, information and inspiration. I am grateful to be on the other side of that double diagnosis. Everyday I wake up thinking, “I don’t know if I have hours, days, weeks, months or years, but I have right now”. I intend to do everything that I can to help others, to increase awareness about blood cancers and the importance of Bone Marrow Transplant. I choose to live with purpose, on purpose. One of these days, my book ‘DESTINY IN DISGUISE’ will be ready. I hope that my double cancer journey will help others in many meaningful ways.

Choosing to bloom,

Shannan