At the beginning of this year I received a call that I never saw coming. My mom&dad were on the line." Mom is a little sick but I dont want you to worry, I am going to be ok."Turns out my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. A million questions went through my head. Why my mom? How could this have happened. Shes been healthy her whole life, no one has ever even had cancer in our family. I was hurt and so scared for her. She's my best friend and I live 2500 miles from her. I flew out to Connecticut to see her through her first treatment. Scared I think was the overall emotion in the room that day. Sitting there for the 5 hr treatment with her and my dad, they explained that they were ready to face this disease head on. My mom excepted she would lose all her beautiful hair& had already been fitted for a wig. Sure enough a few weeks later her hair was gone, but instead of being upset she said "well think if how much time ill save in the mornings." She always found humor when she could. She has 3 treatments left and has announced that the lumps in her breast and underarm are unable to be felt& what was going to be a removal of both breasts will most likely just be the removal of the lump. My mom never lost faith, laughed at the hard things, kept herself healthy by working out every single day without fail. She constantly read Psalm 93 which helped everyone find faith. Her journey has taught me and inspired me. I learned that life is going to throw you fast balls but if you never give up, surround yourself with love, laugh at all costs and most importantly believe god will take you through..Your going to be ok. She is truly my inspiration and forever my best friend.

Signed,
Danielle Oppedisano