Partner in all things LIFE, protector & provider to 2 beautiful children, magician beautician, rape survivor and cancer fighter. I was a scared & lonely child raised by my Mom. She provided shelter, food & the clothes on my back. Most of my good childhood memories though were at my Dad's on the weekends - he always made me laugh. When it came to nurturing & love I relied heavily on my aunt Lynne & my Nana. My worst day was when my Nana passed. She was a huge part of me. With her gone, I constantly feel incomplete & like something is just missing. Her passing trumped all my other tough days including my Mom's death, when I was raped at 12 by 3 older neighborhood "kids" and my cancer diagnosis. I'd tell a 12 year old me not to answer the door that day. I had my daughter just shy of my 17th birthday. She's been my light ever since she was born - she gave me purpose. She is a gentle, kind, intelligent, talented beyond words, loving soul. Being brave & strong is difficult for anyone battling cancer but especially as a Mom. I don't want my kids to see my true fears or sadness so I cry when I'm alone. I want to protect them & I fear I'll leave them too soon. I'm proud of the resiliency I've shown in my short 39 years so far. I'm proud of my strength, determination & will to survive. I've felt not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough & not thin enough at times. But with maturity & life's lessons I've learned that all of those things I thought weren't enough happen to be just perfect for the people who actually matter. I love my heart - I know how genuine it is. There's no makeup, hair color or fancy clothes that can make it look any different. It's loyal and raw. Right now success is getting through another day. I feel so alive when my eyes open, my feet hit the carpet and I hear my family downstairs in the kitchen just talking. It is a reminder that I am still living & that I have everything I need. In 10 years I hope to still be here! If I am - let's do this again! I am Kristen. I am a strong, I am a fighter and a survivor. I am not what has happened to me or the cancer I continue to battle - I am ME.