Welp, I'm heading in to New York City this morning. Yes, I will be going for my fitting this afternoon to try on what I'm wearing at the New York Fashion Week AnaOno x Cancerland show tomorrow, but first, I must get an MRI at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
It really is just a check up to make sure my implants are still in tact, but it does really take a bit of excitement out of why I am in New York City.
Walking into Sloan Kettering gives me several feelings...one, that I'm reminded that at one point, was a true "cancer patient." That I battled and fought like hell. And it brings back some memories that I don't even want to get into.
Two, I feel the buzz of New York City. After living here for almost ten years, I realize I have such a love for the Big Apple. It brought me back to life. I did so much growing and changing in this big city and it helped me truly become the woman I am today. When I listen to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind," I get a little nerdy and am reminded of how much I love this damn, crazy city!
"Let's hear it for New York!
These streets will make you feel brand new...
These lights will inspire you!"
- Empire State of Mind, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
I was at my lowest here...I was diagnosed with cancer. I got better. I moved to Brooklyn. I got a dog. I worked in big advertising buildings with beautiful clients. I was surrounded by the smartest, most driven colleagues and learned so much! It taught me to go after what I wanted; it taught me what I deserved. It inspired me to start Fighting Pretty in my 200 square foot apartment with pink boxes lined up the wall!
And since I've moved to Portland in 2014, NYC still has given me the most amazing experiences since starting my non-profit. I have to say, I've felt a bit like Carrie Bradshaw...
In 2016, Fighting Pretty worked with global beauty company, GLOSSYBOX for our first collaboration.
In 2017, we rang the NYSE Closing Bell!
- Now in 2018, I'm walking the runway at New York Fashion Week!
Lastly, being in Manhattan reminds me how far I've come. It was ten years ago (in December) that I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. Back then, I was 26 years old, living in Hoboken, working in advertising and life was so much different. I didn't have any idea what was up ahead. Now, I have a career in marketing working at the #1 cancer hospital in Oregon, I run a non-profit helping thousands of women every year to feel strong and beautiful through their battle with cancer. I live in the beautiful pacific northwest (how did that happen by the way?), and feel more beautiful, more sexy, and stronger than ever before. I love who I fought to become. I surround myself with people who lift me higher. And tomorrow, I am walking down a NYFW runway six days short of my 36th birthday in AnaOno lingerie! Happy Birthday to me!
Thank you to all of those who have lifted me up through the years. You have kept me strong. You all have had a hand in building me up and making me the person I am today. That goes for my colleagues, friends, loves, doctors, nurses, acquaintances and of course my amazing family.
Now let's just pray this MRI goes smoothly and we can keep these implants in for another ten years! #hereshoping