I started realizing I could be an example for women to not just be aware of breast cancer but to act on it. To make an appointment, to give themselves an exam.

A rumor that followed me forever was that my family was in the mafia. For years I had to live with it. They'd call me the mafia princess, so I rolled with it for the rest of high school. People even joke about it today.

I love your hair! It's kind of messy but like, done.

I never thought my marriage could be stronger, or I could be closer to Bill. We prayed on our own, but now we prayed together and you'll never know how much that means until you do it.

A lot of us think we're invincible... but we have to start putting ourselves on the to-do list.

I would like to take the stigma away. 'Mastectomy' the word seemed so scary to me at first. After doing research and seeing the advancements, the surgery has come a long way from 20 years ago. The results can be incredible.

I have a new found respect for women who have been through breast cancer and this surgery.