Attention: scrolling beyond the first sentence of this post may offend some people due to vulgar language. Please know, this comes from a place of strength.
Several months ago, I received a call from James, the founder of Silver Moon Brewing down in Bend, Oregon. Knowing that I was a cancer survivor, and the founder of Fighting Pretty, he offered us the opportunity to be the recipient of their annual F*Cancer campaign!
Of course, the idea of F* Cancer resonated so much with me. In fact, just a few years ago, I did a photoshoot (for our collaboration with Dirty Pretty and BurnCycle!) and chose the most vulgar sign I could find to represent exactly how I feel about cancer, because:
Cancer changes lives.
Cancer takes lives.
Cancer messes with your head, your body, and your life!
So, I say:
James went on to tell me the Silver Moon Brewing team was exploring a new messaging strategy for 2020 and wanted me to share my thoughts on - what does F*Cancer mean to you?
It made me think.
Of course, the first thing that came to mind was Fighting Pretty. The idea that we all fight differently, what makes us feel beautiful is so individual to each of us. I thought about the fact that cancer creates fighters. It teaches us and challenges us to be fierce. And in spite of all the challenges it throws our way, as strong, beautiful women, we are f*cking fabulous!
I began to reflect on the last six months of my life.
Ten years ago, when I was first diagnosed, I felt all of those things above, but I never thought about the next ten years. I was focused on the now.
Now, in 2020, I have a new family. Ben, Aubrey and I are party of a family unit that I feel so incredibly lucky for. In January of this year, I had my Allergan-textured-tear-drop implants removed due to a recall on them, and am now flat. I have no boobs, no nipples, not even a bump. My chest is actually concave. But in all honesty, I have started to look at my body with less fear.
I own my body and continue to say F*Cancer!
Not only has Fighting Pretty been the recipient of this amazing campaign, but my name - along with the names of over 200 women - are ON the can! How amazing is THAT?
Thank you to Corinne Christian, and Meaghan Knapp for donating to this campaign to make that happen - love you both!
The F*Cancer beer is available at a variety of locations! Click below to find out where (there are too many to list!):
Plus, please join us for (drumroll please)...
Fighting Pretty and F*Cancer Launch Party Celebration
Friday, July 10 at 5:30pm PT / 8:30pm ET
Facebook Live
Hear from Kara, James (from Silver Moon) plus two special guests as they share their Fighting Pretty x F*Cancer story with us!