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An excerpt from Melissa's story:

"Once we got home, I decided that was the moment I needed to tell her. Looking into her innocent blue eyes looking up at me made me realize that I needed to be as strong as I possibly could, and that I needed to fight with everything I had so I could be here and watch her grow up. I truly believe that my mom was sitting next to me on the couch at that moment and was holding my hand while I explained to my daughter that I was sick, and that life was going to be very different from here on out.

After explaining to her what was going on, I felt a calmness, yet I was also shaking. This moment was the first time I felt like I could beat this and show strength while doing it. My mom had a sign on her hospital door that read Positive Mental Attitude and you were not allowed in without it. I would often remind myself of this each time I felt like I was losing my positivity and starting to go down the wrong path. Knowing what it was like watching my mom in so much pain and that helpless feeling also gave me the strength to fight because I didn’t want my daughter to have these same memories. Shoveling dirt on a wooden casket and having to visit a stone instead of seeing my mom in person, was not the journey I wanted for my daughter.

I realized that once I was diagnosed, I was still on a rollercoaster but this time I was a little more in control because this time I was the mom, and I had a daughter to protect and stay alive for. I realized that instead of the wooden one, I was now riding Hagrid’s roller coaster. I was in the motorcycle seat and Public and my daughter were in the side car. She’s along for my journey like I was for my mom, and as much as I was scared and nervous over every hill, I knew she was safe. Instead of her knowing how nervous I was inside, I smiled and laughed with her to show her comfort and joy. It was always important to me to show her how to find joy in every situation and to celebrate every bump, hill, twist and turn even when you’re scared, and feel completely out of control."

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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An excerpt from Britta's story:

"But, no one wins a war alone. I did have a lot of support from others while going through this arduous time. My husband, daughter, family, and friends supported me through the battles of chemotherapy and my surgery. Neighbors sent food and messages that meant a lot to me and kept me going. What I want others to know is that sometimes life will find a way to knock you down, but you can get back up. On the other end was a doctor who called to tell me that I had not one, but two cancerous lumps in my breast and it was aggressive. Everything the doctor said after that sounded like the aftermath of a bomb that exploded. Everyone talking seemed muffled, but you can even get back up and strut on a runway in October."

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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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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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

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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

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An excerpt from Anna's story:

"Like a runner rounding the bases, I celebrated each small victory along the way. I cherished the moments of normalcy, the laughter and love that filled my home. I found solace in writing, pouring my heart into a memoir that would one day inspire others who were facing their battles.

The support of my family and friends has been my dugout, a sanctuary where I can rest and recharge. They are my cheerleaders, my coaches, and my teammates. Together, we form an

unbreakable bond, a team that will not be defeated. The journey has been arduous, filled with both triumphs and setbacks. But through it all, I have learned the importance of resilience, perseverance, and faith. Like a baseball game, life is unpredictable. There will be times when we strike out and times when we hit the ball out of the park. But it is in the face of adversity that we discover our true strength and purpose.

I am filled with gratitude for the many lessons I have learned. I have learned the importance of determination, the power of faith, and the transformative nature of love. I have learned that even in the face of adversity, we can rise above our circumstances and become a source of inspiration for others. For in the grand scheme of life, it is not the number of home runs we hit that matters, but the way we play the game."

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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An excerpt from Kayla's Story:

"I had watched as matriarchs of my family received diagnoses of their own years earlier, well-on into their 70’s. I witnessed the toll treatments took and the way they rose to the occasion, each in her own way. Both reminding me that with the right amount of grit and grace, anything in life is possible.

5 years. 5 years since this journey began. 5 years ago marks my “before.” Today I’m still navigating through my “after” and “tomorrow” and balancing being present to soak in my “here and now.”

While cancer does not define who I am, it has, very much, become the fabric of my being. Something I will forever recognize, discuss, celebrate and grieve milestones of.

The reflection is clearer now. Just like the mirror, she has layers. A deep, dark, layer holding close to my inner thoughts and fears. Next, a reflective coating. Taking the best moments and lessons and showing them to me in the most beautiful way possible. And lastly, the glass. This glass is stronger now, having been forged through fire. This glass has been tempered by the heat. Meant to withstand. Just like the woman staring back at me.

Deep down there are ashes swirling around themselves, ready to resurrect, to rise again. She will never be the same again. Thrown into the dark, walking straight into the fire, her wings are spreading. Illuminating the way. “For what is to give light, endure the burning.”

I am standing in the ashes of who I used to be. I am Kayla. Strong, resilient, wholehearted. I am not scared of the fire. I am the fire."

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 Adrianne's story:

"After surgery, and surgery and then another surgery, I had this feeling of, “Will it ever just end? How will I be able to get back to my old self and when will I feel and look ‘normal’ again?” I had run a ½ marathon just 4 months after my first initial surgery release date but, I wasn’t myself yet. I had tons of compliments and friends telling me how great and, such I had appeared on the outside…. But really, it was from the shoulders up that I was longing to have back to myself. Then, my now 10 year old daughter knocked me back into reality when at my 1 year mark she made me realize that the “New Me”, was the “Old Me” – just cancer free and even better because I was here – ALIVE. I had slowed down, learned to take time, literally stopped to smell the roses, appreciated who I spent my time with, stopped telling everyone “yes” before I told myself and my family “yes” and just relaxed a bit. I will forever be in Sylvia’s debt for what she has done for me – she will never know her true strength and super power.

Lastly, the wisdom I hope to share is that diagnosed or not – just use your time here on Earth wisely. Spend it with those you love and do things that make you happy. If you want to volunteer, do it. If you want to travel, do it. If you don’t love your job – get a new one. Find something that MAKES YOU HAPPY! Life really is short and we don’t know when it will be over. Enjoy life and be sure you have no regrets! I can tell you that I make the choice every single day to be happy and spend my days with folks I love and doing projects and ideas that make me feel better about my life. Just go for it – because you have nothing to lose and everything amazing to gain! Hell, you may just end up on a runway one day!"

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:

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