The "C" Word

October is well known to be breast cancer awareness month and it is amazing how so many people come together to help raise awareness, funds, and hope for people you have been affected by this disease.  It is so important to have the knowledge and the courage to get yourself checked.  It is also vital to know your family history and express that to your doctor.  There are so many resources to learn about what you need to be doing to help detect this ugly disease on time.  Everyone has been affected in some way or level by breast cancer and so it is so important, especially for women, to not be scared to learn about it.  I have encountered women in their 20's who have been diagnosed; we know all too well that this disease does not discriminate. This blog is dedicated not only to those affected by breast cancer, but also for those who have encountered the hardships of cancer.  The "c" word is hard to swallow, especially when it hits close to home.  

Personally, October is a special month for me, because it is my mom's birth month.  My mom has gone through her journey with dealing with the "c" word and it was something that we never expected.  She was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) in 2011 and it was so unexpected and way out of left field.  My mom was not quite aware of this type of cancer being in the family history and it had obviously skipped many generations.  When she was diagnosed, I remember going into "what to do" mode and deep down inside I was very worried.  I always tell the story of me being so angry with God & just crying out to Him asking why did this happen.  God revealed Himself to me and granted peace throughout my mom & myself.  In July 2011 my mom was fortunate enough to have a successful surgery & the tumor was removed. I thank God everyday for giving my mom another day & I also pray that I never take for granted the blessings in my own life. Tomorrow is my mom's birthday.  I want to wish my mom the happiest birthday & that she knows how strong she is & how lucky we are to have her be in our lives.  My mom's actions have always taught me to be strong and not to be afraid.  

"YOUR BRIGHTEST DAYS ARE AHEAD"

It is no secret that my favorite make-up brand is Mally Beauty & this month Mally has a new kit that is dedicated to breast cancer awareness.  Mally spoke of this kit and it hit close to home, so close she had me crying like a baby.  The kit is a tribute to Mally's mother who was called to her heavenly home due to breast cancer.  Mally tells the story of her mother always saying to her "your brightest days are ahead."  In support of this I wanted to get this kit & I am so happy I did.  It has amazing products & it reminds me that my brightest days are also ahead!  

Through this blog I urge everyone to continuously be informed about your own health, family history, and don't let this horrible disease or any disease intimidate you.  Fight for what is important to you, pray for strength, and live everyday to its fullest! 

Above you see the cute tote that came with the kit! This kit includes an illuminating refiner (powder foundation), a beautiful pink lipstick (Pilar, this is Mally's mother's name), a shadow stick in "empowering lilac", a volumizing mascara (my favorite mascara ever), an eye liner in "fearless brown", and under eye brightener.  I will do a look with this kit in a future blog. I can't wait to try all of these goodies.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! Xo!