STORIES BY WILDFIRE: SISTERHOOD IS FOREVER

Before cancer, I prided myself on not spending my precious time on Facebook, Instagram or watching streaming TV. I used the internet and social media as my tool, my mentor, my coach. Never posting or sharing, always taking in content and using it for my personal development.

That changed when I heard the words, “You have breast cancer.” Now I reach out to a digital community (those places I was so proud to avoid) to find comfort, knowledge, to laugh and cry. I’ve found those of you that share my same stage and diagnosis. You’ve given me check lists and websites and helped me prepare for each of my procedures. You’ve given me permission to cry, to be mad and hopeful. I’ve read your stories, prayed for you and your families – yet you don’t know I’m here. You’ve given me so much – you are my friends, my coaches, my mentors, my sisters.

Today is my first step in telling my story, in hopes of making a difference and to give back to the place that has given me so much. I’m grateful for social media and all of you that share – you’ve made a silent social difference in my life.

Valarie Vest. Diagnosed at 45. Financial services, Iowa City, IA. IDC, Stage Ib, ER+, PR+. @tvacvest

This piece has been republished with permission from WILDFIRE Magazine, the 2019/2020 “SOCIAL” issue (Vol 4, No 6, Copyright (c) December 2019 by Wildfire Community LLC). More information available at wildfirecommunity.org  

Every month, Rethink will be sharing powerful stories and poetry from WILDFIRE Magazine. Use code RETHINK for 10% off anything in the WILDFIRE Shop.

WILDFIRE Magazine is the only magazine for young women survivors and fighters of breast cancer under 45 years old. Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, WILDFIRE is a beautiful, story-based bi-monthly magazine published on different themes relevant to young women survivors, from stage 0 to stage IV. Beautiful and ad-free! Visit  wildfirecommunity.org for more info.