Survivor Diary: Christine Kennedy

I was diagnosed on...
"June 12, 2008. Due to my family history, my dad offered to join me for my mammogram visit. We were supposed to go shopping afterwards, but when I came out in tears and told him the news, he hugged me and suggested ice cream, instead."

My immediate reaction was...
"I was worried about my family, and then I thought of my mom. She had beaten breast cancer, only to pass away from a blood clot related to taking Tamoxifen [a breast cancer treatment drug]. I still feel cheated that she kicked cancer, but lost her life because she took her meds."

Now, breast cancer means to me...
"That I have to dig down deep and find the courage to beat this nasty disease. It means that I had to lean on my family and friends when I was always the one leaned upon. It means that I have survived the worst and now need to help others do the same."

I'd tell someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer to...
"Fight as hard as you have ever fought. Spin every horrible part of having cancer into something better. Sure, you will go through surgeries and lose your hair, but you will meet some unbelievably inspirational people. You will find out just how strong you can be. And you will value those you love more than ever."

I'm inspired by...
"My children, my husband, and their positive spirits. The thought of a reoccurrence still lingers, but I can't let it get the best of me. My husband and I are raising three girls and a boy. I hope there is a cure before they get to an age where they need to be afraid."

I'm most proud of...
"Being a mom. My children are the best thing I have ever accomplished."

The person that keeps me strong is...
"My husband. He's an FDNY firefighter who was forced to retire due to 9/11-related lung damage. Every year he gets a bit worse. He never complains or feels sorry for himself. He is committed to watching his children grow up, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and just living life. Because of him and his attitude, I knew I was going to beat cancer. He's my rock."

I spend my spare time...
"Aside from running around to my children’s sporting events, I’m an avid artist. I draw, paint, or craft whenever I can. My motto is: I can make anything!"

I get stressed out by...
"Not being able to fix things. I have learned that there are some things I can change and there are some things I can't. Figuring out which is which has now become the lesson."

If I were to stand in the middle of the street and scream something, it would be...
"Cancer sucks!"

Breast cancer is...
"A terrible way to learn just how strong you can be."