Viewing the World Through a Different Lens
There are many words that you wouldn’t want to hear, yet “cancer” may be one of the most excruciating ones. We all have had someone very dear who suffered from it or we all know at least someone who has experienced this. It is one of the most common diseases in the world and 1 out of 3 people will develop it at some point in his or her life.
There is no cure and it is individualistic, that means that we can have two people who have the exact same lifestyle in the same city, same age, same backgrounds and only one can develop it. Each living organism reacts differently, but it is the inner strength that you will find in yourself and the support of others that will help you overcome it.
I want other women to know that it is worth the fight! We can do this… Fight, Fight, Fight!
Yvette
Life changes then and you start seeing things differently. Facing any illness or accident makes you realize how fragile life is and how everything could crumble in one single second.
If you went through this or you have been diagnosed, it is really important to seek support and comfort in other people’s stories. I hope that this story will empower you!
You are not alone in this and no matter your struggles, someone will hold your hand and will inspire you to keep on fighting! The strengths within us go beyond our dreams and wildest imagination. We are so powerful and we can change a diagnosis…
Life as a Rollercoaster
Life is not always a walk in the park. I often see life as a rollercoaster with its ups and downs, the laughter and screaming… the joy and fear. All these contradictions place another brick on your path. However, I believe the most important thing of all is to be aware of the journey. Feel everything, every single moment… Taste and live all those sensations!
Don’t sleep while you are on the rollercoaster and don’t go on auto pilot. We all fall into this trap from time to time. Could be the routine of our lives or some burden that tires us out and we slide into the unconscious state. Unfortunately, we wake up when we feel the greatest dangers of all…
But there is that unbelievable strength in us and the power to overcome anything and when we win this battle, we make sure that we never fall asleep again! We fully embrace life with everything that it offers.
It’s one day at a time. Each day is a fight to the finish line. I’m a walking, talking, breathing miracle. If I can do it, anyone can!
Yvette
Fashion helped her to be strong and overcome this with more ease
Life is sooo precious to me, you have to live it as if it’s the last day of your life. Ride it until the wheels fall off!
Yvette
Yvette: The Fighter and The Survivor
When Yvette told me that she would love to share her story with us, I was so touched by her incredible strength. Her journey was deeply challenging and at first she felt shattered.
‘Every time I think about it I shed tears.’
She wants to empower other women who are going through the same thing and let them know that it is all worth it. It’s a tremendous battle, but when you win it – when, and not if – you will see that it was all worth it and you are reborn as a superwoman!
‘I want other women to know that it is worth the fight! We can do this… Fight, Fight, Fight!’, encourages Yvette.
All survivors are superheroes! They do not need a cape to show their strength, as that lies within themselves. I like to ask everyone I meet what superpowers would they like to have or what superhero do they resemble?
‘Catwoman’, said Yvette with a large smile on her face.
Feeling empowered to me is inspiring others, it’s not what people call you, it’s what you answer to.
Yvette
The Journey
It all started in the Spring of 2017. The world was blooming and you could feel in the air the hope and calm of a new beginning. There is a certain joy that floats around you, when all nature revives and you along with it. But all of this can crumble in one second… by one single word whispered in your ear: “cancer”. Yvette was diagnosed with breast cancer.
One month later, someone close to her dies taken away by the same cruel disease. This only made her journey more difficult. You enter in a state of shock when you cannot believe this is happening to you. Three months after the surgery, she has a lumpectomy. After that, 8 treatments of chemotherapy and 7 weeks of radiation follow.
‘I cried everyday. I had to cut my hair… it was devastating.’
But the torment does pass and when that moment comes, life receives a whole new meaning. You are reborn. You are offered a new chance and you become stronger, more powerful and empowered! Yvette is now in excellent health, better than ever!
‘It’s one day at a time. Each day is a fight to the finish line. I’m a walking, talking, breathing miracle. If I can do it, anyone can. Lots of prayers, and supportive, family, friends & neighbors.’
I ask her if she sees life differently now and with a bundle of energy she replies:
‘Life is sooo precious to me, you have to live it as if it’s the last day of your life. Ride it until the wheels fall off!’
‘Do you feel more empowered?’, I ask.
She smiles and suddenly gets serious. I can see the superhero in Yvette when she tells me: ‘Feeling empowered to me is inspiring others, it’s not what people call you, it’s what you answer to.’
A miracle and a force of nature, Yvette sees the world differently now, with a better understanding, more love and much more care. Every day is precious and every moment counts!
I am grateful that she shared her story with us, because she wanted to inspire more people and tell women who are going through the same journey as her to keep on fighting, never give up and stay strong! Better days are coming!
Thank you so much, dear Yvette, for your wonderful strength and inspiration! Keep on shining and brightening up the path for other fighters! We stand together!
WOW. This is an amazing article. When my friend Yvette told she wanted to do this i said go for it. When she was told me of her diagnosis i was in shock. But i knew she would fight day by day. I encourage her to wake up everyday to get dress put on something that you like to feel beautiful. And she did being the fashionista she is. 👏 Thank you Lara she she wears your impowerment line very well. #walkingtalk
mingbreathingmiracle. Shadaha
Dear Shadaha, thank you so much for your beautiful words and for your amazing support and encouragement! Yvette is lucky to have you as a friend! She rocks all the outfits and I am truly grateful and honored! Best wishes and hugs xo
Beautiful story, I’m slightly impartial because Yvette is my sister. Each story shared is empowering to all who read it.
I am so happy to hear this! Best wishes to both of you! xo
It is so very touching! It soothes my soul.
I love her, she is so brave and wonderful. Her story is our story!
We are so lucky that we meet in this beautiful journey – life!
That’s so true! I am very happy to hear this! She is a superwoman 🙂
Amazing and touching article. Yvette is a role model. She is so kind, strong and brave. Keep inspiring other people. You are doing a great job!
I had the pleasure of meeting Yvette today! The first thing I said to her was she looked so sharp and I loved her style. As we chatted we found out that we both are breast cancer survivors. There are a lot of survivors out there but she not only survived but she thrived! And did it with panache and style! We talked about changes that occur in your outlook on life when you are told you have the big C. And beat it! People are sympathetic but it’s one of the most powerful words in our language and strikes not only fear but absolute terror. Being blessed enough to come out of the other side of that diagnosis is nothing short of miraculous. Her words, beautiful spirit and attitude serves as inspiration not only to breast cancer survivors but to all that see her story.