True Story by Guest Writer ~
Maria Kerley, October 2009
Guest Writer
Hi!
My name is Maria Rose Castillo – Kerley and I have Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Although I am referred to as a Cancer Survivor, I would rather call myself a “Thriver” as I continue thrive while fighting to “live,” “exist” or “survive the aftermath of cancer treatments.
For background information, I was born and educated in the Philippines. I graduated from Polytechnic University of the Philippines. I had my Masters at Ateneo Graduate School of Business. I worked as an accountant and owned a graphic design agency before migrating to New Zealand in 1989. In summary, I am Asian, professional, wife, mother, daughter, sister and friends to many.
Before I was diagnosed with Cancer, I had a great life. I had a very happy, comfortable, fulfilled family, career and social life. I had almost anything I need. I couldn’t ask for anything more… I had a great family … My parents has just finally immigrated to USA after about 10 year – bureaucratic process. I live with my 13 year-old daughter and the love of my life (my husband) in a nice comfortable home in Las Vegas. Both my husband and I had good jobs. The big bonus was my brother and sisters family live closeby – in Long Beach and San Francisco.
I met the love of my life, my husband Tony, in 1989 in New Zealand and got married in 1990 then we moved to Maine in 1991 where we raised my daughter until we moved to Las Vegas in 2006 when I got this wonderful job at the airport and my husband was able to transfer his job in the company’s branch here in Las Vegas.
I could not believe my luck, I did almost everything by the book - and here I am a healthy 50 – year old with Cancer. I had a normal lifestyle, I saw my doctors and dentists, regularly. I did exercise. I walked a lot. I ate a regular combination of Asian-American diet in moderation. I did not smoke or drink. To top it all I lived in clean environment in the last 20 years – New Zealand and Maine.
I decided to write this book to be able to share my experience with people who are touch with Cancer in one way or another particularly those who has just been diagnosed with Cancer. I wish I had something like this to read while waiting for my turn during my medical appointments; something that will give me hope and inspiration to continue to fight. Knowing that someone like me had succeeded the current stage I was in.
. . . more
Click here to finish reading Maria’s story.
[Why the extra click? To hinder web 'scrapers' from extracting copyrighted content.]
My thanks to all my friends who replied and shared their thoughts on my mini book on cancer survival. Your kinds words mean a lot to me … Please feel free to share this website to others who you think would benefit from it. As a cancer survivor, I continue
to research and learn from other cancer survivors … in the hope of improving my life span and if in doing so, I help others – that is sweet , fulfilling and a wonderful thing. Life is good.
I read the whole story of Rose, my friend from college and whom I just got connected again and met in December 2009. Hers is an amazing story, in a sad way. However, I believe that God is using her to show us how despite all the things that happened to her, her life is something to reckon with. All the good life she had turned into trials and tribulation at such an early age which proved to us that with courage and hope she will survive.
I wish Rose a long life and a happy one too!
Just believe in Him and nothing is impossible if you only ask.
I am here, a friend, someone to talk to, or travel. Just give me a call.
Love always,
Genie
Maria, you are a very strong, special woman ghat has a lot to offer. I am so glad to see you have moved forward with your dream and passion of educating those who get diagnosed with cancer and have a resource so they don’t feel alone.
Love you my friend,
Tina
Maria – I am so glad this is available for everyone to read and learn from…you wrote it initially to document your experiences and feelings but you are now ready to share it for the benefit of others because you are now living as a survivor. I admire how you work every day at living a healthy lifestyle…you are a great example to me and others.
There is no doubt in my mind that this book will bring comfort and support to others who are going through the various stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment. I applaud you for reaching out.
Tricia
This is a great insight into your journey-I think it will help others with similar challenges!
Maria:
Thank you for sharing your story. I know your are a survivor and have a zest for life that puts a smile on your face no matter what – that’s what makes you so special.
I have you in my thoughts always.
Judy
Hi
This article is very good, have not seen the ebook yet.
Alex