Savanna Vinson

"I was young, but I do know that cancer sucks. Cancer is the worst kind of disease any person can have in their lifetime. I have had several family members who have had cancer. And because of this, I know how deadly of a disease it is and ALSO because of this I am concerned. This brings me to share a story about a SURVIVOR! My Mom! My Warrior! My example of STRENGTH and determination; and her testimony of her battle with cancer. My Mom has been a breast cancer survivor for 18 years. Her breast cancer diagnosis came only a few months after I was born. For as long as I can remember, my mom has had to soldier up against this attack on her body; all while being a mom. My mom! (Tammy). She is a very caring, sweet and loving individual. And please don’t let me forget to share that she is a phenomenal cook. She is very creative and finds solace in doing so. My mom loves to create, decorate, and again she is an amazing cook!

 

As a toddler I had absolutely no clue as to what my mom was going through. But as time progressed and I grew older I began to notice things. Her symptoms and side effects from chemotherapy. The frequent doctor’s appointments, the pain (that she tried to hide from me and my younger sister), the medications; everything became more apparent. Because she looked beautiful with her short hair, I thought that was just her style and now I know the exact reason. My mom made sure my sister and I did not miss a beat with her being sick. Although I’m pretty sure we had help from family and friends; I can say this shows that I have a GREAT mom who is a very strong woman.

 

Growing up and understanding what having breast cancer can do to a person, what other illnesses it leads to. Watching my mom get sick and have heart problems, which would have her in the hospital several times; still makes me emotional. Mysister and I would usually be with a family member who would take us to school. Wewould be wondering when she’ll get out of the hospital. And then since she had heart problems, she couldn’t work a job because of her health problems. As a single mother she must rely on checks in order to take care of my sister and me. Despite all of that, my sister and I never had to worry about any money problems.

 

As a result, the repercussions of my mom's breast cancer affected her body and life, but for me it affected my childhood. With her having to deal with the aftermath of breast cancer made it hard for her to live. Dealing with health problems and raising 2 kids on her own wasn’t easy, but she made sure my sister and I had a good childhood. Even though I watched her get sick and have to worry when she’ll get better. Since, it affected her daily life from being able to go to work then from not being able anymore. Which made a way for her to become a stay-at-home mom. It helped me be good at school. That would make me the scholar that I am today."