I’m a Survivor

By Beverley Boothe, LCSW

President, Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Inc.

As we approach the ending of October, I want to take the time to acknowledge the countless number of women who have lost their lives due to breast cancer and those who are survivors of this disease.  I am so thankful that I am here celebrating my life.  I think back to 2.5 years ago, when I first heard that I had breast cancer.  I didn’t know how I was going to make it through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.  However, with God’s help and the support of family and friends, I made it through.  Being a survivor of cancer makes you appreciate life.  We should never take the precious gift of life for granted.

During my treatment, I decided that I needed to continue helping the clients that God had entrusted in my care.  These very same clients took the time to check in with me about my health.  I transformed before their very eyes, with losing my hair and losing weight.  They looked past the physical appearance and saw me.  I had countless number of friends and family members who took care of me when I didn’t have the strength to do so.  I had my wonderful daughter who kept me laughing.   I had a wonderful spiritual coach that reminded me of the importance of meditation which I combined with prayer.   I look back with such gratitude.  Over the past two years, I have had the privilege to provide counseling to other women who are battling this disease.  It’s such an honor to be there for other women who need this type of support.

If you are going through cancer, remember that you are not alone.  You will find an inner strength that you didn’t realize existed.  Remember to take care of your body, mind and spirit.  Reach out to family, friends and/or professional support for help.  If you have lost a loved one to cancer, please reach out for support also.  You don’t have to go through this struggle alone!!  You are a survivor!!

Please contact lifeenrichmentcounseling.com if you or a family member need support.

Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Inc., provides holistic mental health services to children, adolescents, adult, families and couples in Northern, Virginia and Washington, DC.