Warrior Sisters

Nine years ago, I found out I have a genetic mutation that puts me at high risk for breast cancer. Several weeks later, I was diagnosed with a very early stage of breast cancer at age 28. I was lucky that a mastectomy cleared me of cancer without additional treatment.

I got a TT bar necklace with my first two girls' names on it, assuming that was that with the kids. Then -oops- I had another baby pretty soon after and got a new bar with all 3 kids names.  I also got the "mama" necklace - both as a mom, and it's also a nickname with a group of my girl friends from college.

Several years later, at the beginning of October, I saw an email from Tiny Tags with a “warrior” necklace for breast cancer awareness month. I didn’t think it was right for me at first, but the next day, my husband passed away suddenly. When I received another email about the “warrior” necklace later that week, knowing I was a young widow with three small children, I treated myself to the necklace. I wore it every day for the first year, reminding myself I can get through these life challenges.

I recently got remarried and have two "bonus" daughters, one of whom made a comment before the wedding that "soon I'll need a new necklace".  So I had my newly minted husband get me a Circle Pendant necklace because it fits the five names of all our kids. 

My sister, who also has the same genetic mutation as I do, underwent a preventative mastectomy recently to almost eliminate her own breast cancer risk. I thought it only right to get my sister her own “warrior” necklace to remind her how strong she is while facing this challenge. 

- Sarah