3 Words

The most gut-wrenching words I have ever heard were spoken to me in 2013 and then again to my husband in 2019: "You Have Cancer." Both times, our lives were just clicking along uneventfully, when out of the blue, some flu-like symptoms started. Then, a few days later we found ourselves in a cold and dreary patient room while the doctor sat down in front of us with sad eyes and quietly said those dreaded words. I am pretty sure they were prefaced with, "I am sorry to share this news…," but all I can remember is the echoing of those 3 Words that forever changed me. In this book, I will share what it was like hearing those words and how my husband and I processed it, managed it, and did everything we could to support each other. I will talk about how I truly believe I got cancer six years before my husband to better prepare me to cope with and care for him during the last year of his life.

I did Ironman at age 36, survived cancer at age 45, and became a widow at age 52. Now I am an author and podcaster, writing and talking about my life, love, and loss. I share my experiences and what I do to find purpose; if it helps even one person in this universe, then my heart will be full. I had the most amazing husband a girl could ask for; we had a fun and adventurous life for 30 years, filled with a ton of memories that make me smile. I have an incredible family, including twelve nieces and nephews who all have a special place in my heart (they told me I am vibrant, fearless, cool, outgoing, resilient, and thoughtful). I am also blessed with an abundance of the coolest friends on this planet. I enjoy being active – from cycling to yoga. I also enjoy just bumming around in my Jeep Wrangler with the top and doors off on a sunny day. But most of all, I truly live for spending time with my friends and family creating memories that will last a lifetime.