Tracie Fights Back

Because I have triumphed over the many challenges life has thrown at me and come out better in the end.

Because I am strong and can handle this, too.

Because I have Michelle, my family, my doggies and many friends to lift my spirits, the key to success.

Because three years ago there wasn’t a drug to turn off the receptor that makes this rare strain of disease grow.

Because I have always wondered what I’d look like without hair.

Because I learned to be an advocate for one’s own health care while helping my mom and dad and knew not to settle for anything less than cutting-edge treatment.

Because my mom is a 48-year cancer survivor and I come from tough stock.

Because others who face this challenge will be heartened by the higher survival rate I will help to create.

Because one in eight women will face breast cancer, so if it wasn’t me it could have been you.