For those of you who don't know, in the U.S. alone about 15,780 children under the age of 21 will be diagnosed with cancer every year and approximately 1/4 of them will not survive. The Wild And Free Project sells a variety of shirts that I recently purchased myself to show my support. So there is a link below to the Instagram page that explains the reason why I chose to participate. Please help this fight against cancer by buying a shirt from this heartfelt foundation knowing that 25 percent of the proceeds from every transaction will go towards pediatric cancer research.

I have known of many success stories yet horrific endings caused by different types of cancer. My childhood friend is one of those survivors who is still living a strong healthy lifestyle today. I asked her to share a small testimonial that she is allowing me to share with you in the following text.

"I walked in that hospital with my mother holding her hand wondering what was happening to me. I went from being a normal 9-year-old girl playing with friends dancing, singing and being silly to a 9-year-old girl facing the news of having cancer. I felt afraid, sad and a sense of helplessness. It wasn't until the day of the surgery that I had this overwhelming feeling of happiness. I knew in my heart I wasn't alone and neither was my family. After kissing my family goodbye before they took me back I closed my eyes and saw myself sitting in the middle of these giant hands. I was happy, strong and invincible. I knew the Lord was holding me and I knew that no matter what happened I was always going to have him by my side. I made it out of surgery and did a year of chemotherapy. With the Lord holding me I became a fighter. Fear left me and I faced cancer head on but I wasn't alone. I knew it was going to be a long road but I made it. Now I am 23 years old. I've gone through good and bad times but as I look back on that time in my life I remember the first time I felt my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and He's still with me til this day. He is holding me in those giant hands I so very much recall because with only His love, my faith and His power, I can now say I was that 9-year-old girl who became a cancer survivor."

- Emily Weaver, 23-year-old childhood cancer survivor.

Her faith at such a young age astounds me. I have known this girl since the age of 3. Our birthdays are one day apart and we did everything together, until one day I never heard a word. It isn't the type of news a parent wants to share with their child about what has happened to their friend but I did know she was very sick. I was told to pray and love her through the spirit of God and believe in my own faith that she will be okay. I wrote her letters for months and remember crying as I slipped them into her mailbox hoping to hear one word. Then years later I got a call on my birthday. It was my dearest old friend Emily. She was okay and we managed to get together. From then on we lived further apart but our annual tradition stayed the same to call each other for both of our birthdays. I couldn't be more grateful for the power of God that saved my friend and for that matter amongst matter more, I wholeheartedly am in support of this fight against cancer.

So some of you also may not know that the previous month of September was Childhood Cancer month. It has come to a close but yet another special month for cancer awareness is beginning. It is woman's breast cancer. A cancer that year-round, women and children are dying from this dreadful disease. My hearts aches for the families having to endure the fight along with the process and continuous medical bills.

Many of these women you know are also public celebrities such as Giuliana Rancic, Barbara Walters and Angelina Jolie, who have also endured pain and suffering just like many others. Yet they survived and choosing to give back from their successes every day that have created huge platforms to share their stories. We are all human and sickness can try to take anyone no matter their crown of success or class in society. Nobody is invincible. Death isn't a loss if we've chosen to fight and miracles are meant to be heard. Even the stories of suffering must be heard to bring more awareness of the disease attempting to steal so much joy from others lives. We are one human race and because of Satan, there is sickness. That fact will never change. Though I want my words to be an uplifting message towards people who need to be aware, to people who have, will and can overcome this fight.

Like Giuliana Rancic, once an E! News celebrity host had become ill with cancer. This is the link to her story and the secrets to many others.

Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way. Whether it be by a friend, family member, or someone you know of. Every time when the word cancer is brought up it brings a cloud of depression and negative thoughts combined with fear of what may happen.

Years ago my mother had a very beloved and cherished friend of hers pass away. Spending many camping trips, Easters and holiday meals. Her diagnosis with cancer was a shock at her young age with a husband and two young daughters my age that I was close with. She fought the good fight for four years and in this time her intimacy with a true Father and walk with Jesus her Lord became transforming. This woman came from a heartbreaking background and even though she was blessed with a beautiful life following that struggle, becoming sick made her a stronger woman of faith than ever before. She sadly passed soon enough but her battle still today is a living testimony in this world. She is home safe in heaven with our Lord and Saviour. I remember my mom saying that she had a hard time leaving those here but my mother spoke to her with words that God had spoken to her meant for her friend. She told her that it was okay to go and God was waiting for her. The suffering had ended that day as her spirit left her body and was escorted into heaven.

From either side, whether it be my mother or her best friend along with her family. It's a mixed emotional battle no matter if you contain the Faith in the Spirit of the Lord or not.

I'd like to share an encounter I had just a few days ago when I was just spending a beautiful Saturday afternoon by myself walking around a local art show while taking pictures for my next article. I came across a booth with a painting that had caught my eye. So being the communicative person I am, I asked about the painting. Turns out that it was the work of a cancer survivor who also had a mother who shared the same testimony. They had both survived the excruciating and mental struggle of this sickness. I told them I was actually writing my current piece on cancer awareness. That opened a whole new world of conversation and they were so kind to share with me their personal cancer testimonials. I am more than honored to share their encouraging words with my readers. The first of the two who had survived cancer was Jody, the lady who painted what had caught my eye.

"I had not a mammogram in six years because I was afraid of them. Eating lunch one day, a still small voice told me to go to the doctor. So in August of 2013, I went in and had a mammogram. I was called back in two days for additional films. The radiologist did an ultrasound where he came to find a 5mm speck. I had a biopsy, it was malignant. On October 3rd that same year, I had a lumpectomy which showed no lymph node involvement. So after 6 weeks of radiation, I became clear and have been ever since. Early detection is key. I started painting this year after going to painted Lyons with a friend. It has progressed since then. It is very calming to the soul. I am not sure if they told you, but in August we lost our son in law and my mom just this last Thursday."

Jody's mom passed away on Thursday before the art show I met them at last weekend of different causes.

- Artist Jody Willis

She paints in a family oriented business that you can find on Facebook. mylittlecookie@sbcglobal.net. The head artist of the booth was the other artist there Pat Glasco.

Below are a few of her paintings. The two blues and the four on the right in the second photo. I fell in love with them all!

This next testimony is from Jody's cousin, Victoria. I was so grateful to listen to what small but such powerful words this woman had to say. One thing she had said to me was that no matter a statistic of this cancer, it's the mentality of faith and hope you choose to cling to and keeping it during the fight against whatever diagnosis you are given. Those words stuck to me because it takes a strong woman to make that kind of choice knowing how harsh the process of treatment is. These are her words below.

"Much of my testimony centers around God and the hope we have in His Word. I was only given 50 percent chance of getting through chemo due to aggressive form of breast cancer. There were times that I felt the words spoken by my doctor would be the outcome. But because of hope that was not the outcome. I had a chemo buddy that was fighting the same type of cancer and she passed before treatment was over. No matter what words are spoken over you, you have to maintain your hope. Where there is no hope, there lies a possible defeat. I never gave up my hope and anchored in the Word of God. Such as the scripture, "I will live and not die and declare the glory of the Lord." I was so broken that I might not see my kids graduate or meet my grandchildren. But nine years later, I have seen my kids graduate and I have 3 granddaughters AND I became an ordained minister during treatment after shaving what little hair I had left on my head. I decided to fight and trust God because with Him, the odds are always in my favor. Since then I've had the privilege of serving on the state and international boards of women's ministries. I have been instrumental in raising funds for churches to be built in some of the most remote areas of the world. I have so much more that is a powerful testimony, but this is the cliff notes version."

- Victoria Smith

I don't know about you but her 'cliff note' version was enough to touch my heart and be thankful for my own life that I have been blessed with.

Now this final testimony was gracefully written by my very close friend who has first hand experienced taking care of a loved one going through cancer. She has been nothing but selfless for most years of her life because she's dedicated a lot of her time and effort towards taking care of her mom. I wholeheartedly appreciate what she had to say and that she was willing to share as well.

"Those who have loved ones diagnosed with cancer don't give up hope. The doctor may give a statistic or what the outcome may be. Just know at the end of the day it's all about your faith and outlook on life. There is always something to be grateful for. For those who set going through that tough time in life just know God has a purpose for you. I never would have imagined my mom would still be alive after 12 years, five rounds of chemotherepy, and surgeries (more to come). She never lets herself get down. She finds the good and moves forward. Throughout the years of chemo she has met many other women battling cancer. Most of those women couldn't get past the goof and unfortunately passed within a matter of time. Ovarian cancer is "the silent killer." Women need to be aware of their body and what things are Changing in their bodies. Never be afraid to ask questions and consult with your doctors. For those who have just been diagnosed or are going through a rough time, you're not alone. Many men and women are facing the same struggles. On those days you don't want to face reality or just everyday life just think of the things in life that are most important to you. If you have kids, fight for them. If you have fur babies, fight for them. Maybe it's the love of your life... fight for them. Whatever or who it may be, there is always a reason to fight. If God is calling you home don't blame him. Everything happens for a reason. I've grown up in a life that seems normal to have a mom with cancer and if God decides it is time and my mom is ready to go, it's because He no longer wants you to be in pain. Your loved ones need to understand that too. There is no need to stay in pain to keep them happy. God knows that your loved ones will find a purpose and will heel. Heaven shouldn't be a place of fear but a place of everlasting love, protection, and family. Cancer doesn't have to be a silent killer. It's in your hands. Pray and find your purpose. It will change you for the better. Even your loved ones around you. Last but not least, don't blame God. He gave you this challenge for a reason. Like I said, everything happens for a reason. You are blessed by God. I promise that He isn't doing this out of harm. He did not create sickness but He can help you overcome whatever the outcome. He is the redeemer over us all of all things brought to this world to hurt or torture us otherwise. If you are a child going through this or maybe someone you love is facing the battle of cancer, please feel free to consult in myself. Find me on Facebook or comment directly to my friend writing this article. She will send you my way. I would love to help anyone. I have gone through the good and the bad. Don't keep it in. Speak out and let others help you through this time of need."

- Blair Bowman, age 22

Message to who may be going through cancer or has overcome.

Just as Emily and more have survived and are happy as can be. I want to make sure you know your time was or isn't being wasted and you are beautiful in God's eyes. Destined for glory amongst every hardship and pain because you are still alive from what you endured. You have the power to change lives around you just by embracing and not forgetting that your spirit on the inside still shows through every smile, tear and an attitude of love you share no matter what. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are an inspiration to so many people. Your strength with how you are handling it now or handled it then create an energy that is indescribable. Thank you for your fight, you are so loved and I'm thankful for all the support the world around has to help you be the best you.

Supporting cancer is something that everyone needs to do and it makes my heart so happy that companies offer products which associate a donation to cancer well. There are plenty of clothing lines that are modern wear that donate percentages of their sales to Cancer Awareness such as:

Carbon38 - An active clothing line that donates proceeds to Breast Cancer Proceeds Foundation to help find a cure.

Button Up For Cancer - Uniquely creative earrings made from buttons. Created and confounded by Cassidy who is a survivor of breast cancer.

Fab Fit Fun - 15 must have upscale stylish items from accessories to jewelry, beauty and clothing that give back to cancer.

Wild and Free Project - Stylish Clothing Line who gives 25% of net proceeds from the sale of all The Wild and Free Project products are donated to The Wild and Free Project's 501 partners in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Example photo of the Wild and Free Project clothing line in the picture of myself below.

XOXO

KB

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