When I was eight years old my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma. At the time, I knew nothing about cancer other than people lost their hair first, and died second. A big part of my little soul was terrified, and the other part was utterly confused. For months I went to school with just my backpack and lunch box, but came back with at least two meals a day from other families who were gracious enough to help. I barely understood any of it at the time.

Ten years later and my mother is cancer-free. Sometimes I forget that this phase of my life even happened, because at the time I was so shocked, confused and flooded with emotion that it all seems like a blur. But it doesn't take much time spent with my mom to know that she's something special...that she's a survivor.

(college move in day!)

My mother is loving because she knows what its like to almost lose the ones you love most. She loves unconditionally and without bounds because she knows how quickly the ability to show the ones you love how much you love them can quickly slip through your fingers.

My mother is strong because she knows what its like to have strong and fearless be her only choice. Having twins only in grade-school and fighting the ultimate fight takes one hell of a superhero!

My mother is supportive because she knows that its the support of others that keep us standing tall and no one should have to conquer anything alone.

My mother is a survivor.

Being the daughter of a cancer survivor is one of the most empowering things I will ever be. Because it means that I have the strongest, most supportive and loving mother anyone could ever be blessed with. Being a cancer-survivor's daughter means I will never have to face "the scary things" alone, because she's been through the scary parts.. and she's fearless. It means that no matter how small my victories, she will always be screaming the loudest, because she knows how important it is to have people in your corner. And it means that no matter how big my defeats and mistakes, she will always love me "to the moon and back" anyway.