a two-fold celebration...

In four weeks, my youngest daughter Lilly will celebrate her 15th birthday! She is anxious to get her driver's license and learn to drive (Yikes!). And we will celebrate her birth...such a blessing in our lives!

This time is also a time to reflect back to 15 years ago, on the day she was born, to my mother in the hospital getting a bone marrow treatment for breast cancer at age 46. She was in solitary confinement to prevent infection on that day, and she learned of Lilly's birth over the phone, unable to come and visit or see our new bundle of joy! 7 years they gave her, 15 years ago.

So, you see, I have reason to celebrate two-fold in several weeks...God has blessed me with two precious lives, two precious miracles of life.

I am 43, and I am at a high risk of getting breast cancer myself. So, as I get older and closer to my mid-40's, as I gain weight and further increase my risk of cancer, I am looking for ways to reduce that risk. That is where On the Homestretch Healthquest comes in!

My BMI, originally thought to be 25%, is really 32%. I want to get down to the 20% range. I am changing my eating habits, thanks to Carilu and Carter! I am stepping up my exercise to increase my metabolism and muscle mass. Carter is increasing intensity and the weights we use each day, and I feel stronger than I have in years!

It is my hope that I am taking all the right steps to prevent getting breast cancer myself. But if I do develop breast cancer, how much stronger I will be to fight it...physically, mentally and spiritually.

Thanks to Carter for pushing me each day to do more than I thought possible! Thanks to Carilu and the rest of the support team for giving me the tools to be healthy and strong! And thanks to the team of women that come each morning and exercise with me...your inspiration, encouragement and support mean so much to me! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! God Bless!