LIFE UPDATE // It's been almost 4 years to the day that I got diagnosed with stage 3 thyroid cancer. In about a month, I will be going in for surgery once again. In 2020, we found it had spread to my lymph nodes on both sides of my neck. Doctors warned me another surgery was going to be needed soon. In December, I'm scheduled to remove the rest of cancer and hopefully be done with this stupid disease forever! I am thankful it is so treatable and that I have access to amazing surgeons so close by. I am thankful that I should not have to go through another round of radiation. 

Cancer sucks. It has taken so much but has also given me so much. The perspective, joy in the Lord, faith amidst hardship, and conversations with hurting people it has given me are unmatched. I truly wouldn't change this for the world. It's made me who I am. 

If you would like to help contribute to some of my medical bills, it would mean the world. As a teacher, I do not get paid much to begin with. Cancer is expensive, and most of my paychecks have gone to pay for my medical care. The Lord is my provider and has already given me a community that cares and intercedes. I know He is in control of what I cannot see. Cancer does not have the last say, Jesus does. In the midst of this, I am choosing to rejoice in this chance I get to be a light in the darkness and pray that I steward it well.

Ways to Pray: 

- utter dependency on Christ 

- strength for family & friends 

- financial provision 

- wisdom in navigating medical leave and quick recovery

- “So I will praise You on the mountain

And I will praise You when the mountain's in my way

You're the summit where my feet are

So I will praise You in the valleys all the same

No less God within the shadows

No less faithful when the night leads me astray

You're the heaven where my heart is

In the highlands and the heartache all the same” -