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I just wanted to post a quick update from this past weekend. I had an amazing time in Boston for the IMPACT Melanoma Shades of Hope gala. They are an awesome organization that is committed to skin cancer prevention and early detection through multiple national programs they coordinate. I was invited to be their guest speaker at the event. When they first asked me, I literally laughed out loud and said...ummmmm, heck to the NO. I told them that they should have Jerome talk and share our story and that I would be happy to be there to support him. They kept asking though, so finally I reluctantly agreed. I figured I had months to prepare, so maybe my nerves would settle by November. No such luck, I was a shaking like a leaf. In fact, here's a picture that I took the morning of the speech. I sent it to my sister with a message saying, "please don't make me go".
I flew in a day early and had some fun before the big event. I had a small cheering section of friends and family that came from all over the country to be there for me. My sister from Indiana and her friend Shelley from Nashville. My best friend Jenn and her husband Chris came all the way from Texas. We had some great food and laughs before the big night. I think having them there was a huge help in calming my jitters!
I have to say now that it is over, it wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be. I hope that my experience and story can help spread the word about Melanoma prevention, as well as about mental health struggles during diagnosis and treatment. I'm not sure if I ever posted a link to my Women's Health magazine article on here, so I will do that today. It really goes into more detail about my story. :)
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a27457714/melanoma-skin-cancer-diagnosis-treatment-women/
And, finally, here is a link to my speech if you are interested in watching!
https://youtu.be/uTRCx2H4g88
As always...thanks for reading my blog and for the prayers along the way. It was very humbling to hear the speaker that introduced me tell the story of her young son losing his battle to Melanoma not too long ago. If you don't mind, please pray her for healing and strength as well. Her name is Tracy and son's name is Connor.
XOXO,
Lacey