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Here's an excerpt from Kristine's story:

"In December 2022, another massive tsunami came, knocking everything down in its path. Here comes cancer and all the feelings you don’t want to have at 40. Feelings of scared, nervousness, the unknown, sadness and trauma barreling at her full speed. Pain is what crashed into her first and she tried to swim. White caps started to appear at every angle and there was no way to swim around them; there were scans, biopsies, chemo that left her with feelings of anger, hopelessness and made her tired and weak. She pushed past using support and wisdom from her fans. Months and months of swimming around the dangerous white caps and next came the bi-lateral mastectomy and exchange surgery. While learning how to stay above the water with one storm at a time, the boat filled with love and support stayed right by her side.

Her husband as the captain and her 15-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son as the co-captains. They were ready to give her the support that she needed but when she could not love herself, it was hard to let anyone close. The wave of ugly and embarrassment crashed over with every “you look great” whisper in the wind. She was fighting not just on the outside where they could physically see, but on the inside where her thoughts were on repeat.

One day, test results came floating by with positive news that she was free of cancer. She yelled for the lifeboat and she quickly pulled her tired body out of the water. With time to rest, she rode the lifeboat past the rocks and back into the calmness of the ocean. While focusing on her breath, she made her way to the sand where hope, love and support were waiting with open arms."

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In this interview and story, Joy shares how You Night's Story Crafting program helped her break free from the mental gymnastics she was having over the subject matter of friendships that end with betrayal. We've all been there...where relationships that we form can unexpectedly turn into negative experiences, often leading us to scratch our heads as to what went wrong. Joy talks about how that can feel like the sting of a bee when that happens, but shares that the bee stings have resulted in more of a butterfly effect where those stings forced her to grow, and like a butterfly, spread her wings and fly.

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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

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Here's a partial transcript of the interview. Lu was on an oxygen tank at the time of this interview and it might be hard to make out all of her words.

My name is Lutricia Milton. I am the last of ten children. I was born November 5th, 1970 at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. As far as I can remember, I had a good childhood. My mother sent my siblings and I to Mississippi to spend the summer with our grandparents. I enjoyed spending the summer with my grandparents. I learned most of my values unknown color. I learned most of my values and beliefs and Christianity from from them. Every morning we had to wake up to the sound of the rooster crow, make our bed, sweep the floors. Then we would rush out tea, wash our face, and sit at the table for breakfast. My grandmother would have breakfast ready for us Christians grits, eggs, bacon, sausage, homemade biscuit syrup and orange juice. And you could tell. I remember all of that. I remember we all had to say a Bible verse. We. For what we ate and had to give thanks to God. This was my life. Well, you know, childhood until I was 15 years old. Um, when I was 15 years old, I became pregnant and was too ashamed to tell my parents. So I went to Mississippi and apparently couldn't hide it from my grandparents either. So I went home to face the music. Um, I had an 8 pound, seven ounce baby girl on January 6th, 1987. I named her Alexis Dominique Nelson. She was the most beautiful baby that I ever seen. After having Alexis, I dropped out of high school because I was completely overwhelmed with life. Within 18 months later, I had another beautiful girl. I listened to Mitrice Nelson. She was 6 pounds when I when I was. I then realized I had to move out of my parent's home, and I applied for low income apartment and was approved to. I was 22 years old. I had no income from working and two babies to take care of. It seems as if my life is falling out of control. I enrolled in college. I received my Associate of Arts degree from Delgado Community College in 1996. Um, I havebeen. Two years later, my son was born Alonzo DeMarcus Milton. He was such a handsome and cute baby boy. I felt that I was finished with having kids after him. Then I met his father. In a year of his 8 pound 6oz was born. She was healthy. A healthy, beautiful baby girl. We were married for 20 years. He had his moments and so did I.

To see the entire transcript, visit You Night's Story Crafting Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories

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Excerpt from Dr. Leslie's story:

"I realized life had changed and everyone had moved on. It was time to let go. There are no parents to approve or disapprove of my choices. Who I am, choices I make, my views of the world and desires for the future are mine alone to decide.

This is my time and I’m not afraid. Rarely have I stopped and thought about being alone or even the prospect of dying. I have no time for nonsense, have always abhorred drama, and never waste energy on it. Anyone who knows me well has heard me say no amount of worrying will change things. It is what it is.

I’ve learned being vulnerable and accepting help isn’t weakness. Armoring up results in anger and hurt so heavy it suffocates. Who I am, what I believe, and how I live, is not up for discussion. Others’ opinions no longer have no weight. All the made up ‘rules’ are fading as is the pressure to maintain an image. The strength, warmth, and comfort of the fire that burns inside will light the way."

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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

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An excerpt from Sharon's story:

"With my diagnosis, I was fortunate in the sense that although having cancer was scary, it was stage one, could be treated and that would hopefully be the end of it. I didn’t need chemo or radiation. I look back on that time in my life and it’s a blur. Between all of my appointments, helping my kids and everything else, I don’t remember much. Maybe it’s my body’s way of protecting me from what I went through - I don’t know. What I do know is that my family inspires me every day to be a better person - to handle difficult situations with grace and humor and to find some joy in every day.

In the beginning of my story, I was in the dark blue water and unable to reach the surface. There was also this awful dark cloud that I felt was over my family. Now, after some reflection, I realize the dark cloud was a passing storm and although other storms have come my way, they haven’t stayed forever. Having cancer changed me as a woman and as a person. It changed how I see the world and my attitude about everything.

My wisdom for the world:

• Don’t neglect your health or put off appointments
• Allow yourself to be photographed
• Mental health is just as important as physical health
• Find a therapist you trust"

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com

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An excerpt from Pam's Story:

"There’s a new energy in the air making watching a summer thunderstorm magical. Hot water vapor in the air hugs my skin and drapes my body in a loving embrace, honeysuckle summer air, and living alongside loving people with good food, laughter, and joy is my new normal. It’s a lens few can see through, a perspective shift I’m privileged to enjoy the rest of my life.

Different, what I see and feel now embodies love and peace. Looking back, I remember what happened last year, sick with heartache as it was bred by intoxication with the present. I’m sad Mom passed, but I’m smiling because what we had is as rare as a four-leaf clover.

Today the water is calm at the ocean’s edge. So, if the whole world is shaking and nothing feels right, know wherever I am no matter how far, I’ll never fail to navigate the waters and feel empowered at its embrace. Today I found a piece of home at my ocean’s edge. Although it’s scary and I may have rather spent my summer in a place that doesn’t get stormy weather, I dive in and taste its salty specialness.

From my ocean’s edge to yours:

XO - P"

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

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An excerpt from Jessica's story:

Navigating adulthood, motherhood, and cancer, I learned to find solace in my children – Dalton, McDermott, and Olympia – whose vibrant personalities and bountiful love filled my life with joy and purpose, even amid the turmoil of illness. My husband Michael's quiet strength balanced my

anxious nature, and our family bond became a source of balance.

The rest of my family also provided (Mom Norah, Dad Tony, sister Vanessa, sister Emily and brother-in-law Paul) unwavering support and were instrumental in my determination. They never left my side, held me when I cried, and helped me find laughter when I thought it impossible. My mother especially became my caretaker, confidante, and personal chauffeur. We somehow found adventure and inside jokes (isn’t this fun?) as we navigated my cancer road together.My dearest friends were a source of blessings as well.

Furthermore, I was inspired by the resilience of others, like Nicky Newman, a stage-4 breast cancer warrior, whose zest for life despite terminal illness resonated deeply with me even though we didn’t share diagnoses. I adopted her mantra to "Go Grab Life." Nicky's legacy reminded me to cherish every moment, and live life to its fullest.

Today, I stand not as quicksand but as the mighty sea – powerful, serene, and capable of weathering life’s storms while embracing its joys. My journey with cancer has taught me the importance of living in the present, of finding beauty in everyday moments, and of nurturing resilience in the face of adversity.

Reflecting on my experience, I realize that while cancer imposed profound challenges, it also offered moments of introspection and growth. I've learned to navigate life with a renewed perspective, acknowledging that every situation possesses multiple angles, and that amidst hardship, there is room for joy, hope, and gratitude.

If I could distill my journey into wisdom for others, it would be to seize life with both hands, to cherish the present moment, and to nurture your inner positivity, strength and gratitude. Cancer has reshaped my life, not by altering my essence, but by reinforcing my capacity to embrace life with courage and optimism."

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

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Excerpt from Patti's Story:

"After 16 years of peaceful seas and recovery, another tidal wave hit me hard when Wayne passed away from lung cancer. Waves hit me constantly for the first year after his death, sometimes gently but other times with much force. Drawing from my Al-Anon recovery, I was able to express my grief and find acceptance. Gently, the waves moved me forward with new job opportunities, adventurous European vacations, my oldest daughter's marriage, which expanded our family with a loving son-in-law and grandson, and years of quiet seas.

Unexpectedly, in November 2023, a tsunami hit me! I had an abnormal mammogram, and after extensive tests, I found out that I had breast cancer. It was my worst nightmare come true! "First, I was afraid, I was petrified … but then I grew strong … It took all my strength not to fall apart … but no, not I, I will survive!" These are words from an old favorite song describing my feelings about this news. Waiting for the specifics was the hardest. However, the storm quickly lessened as the surgeon and his staff were incredible, giving me and my family hope, encouragement, and excellent care.

Having my family and friends encircle me on this journey has been priceless. I know my recovery in Al-Anon aided me through this storm. The first step reminds me that I am powerless. God is in control. Placing my trust in God has given me the fortitude to get through all the treatments, worries, and anxiety of my cancer journey. I'm learning to survive the swells! I've reached new levels of self-discovery. I'm now floating on the waves by reaching out to others nearby rather than being smashed ashore in other seas of my life. I'm receiving care and love from the SheRose group and extending my hand to give hope and courage to others in similar seas. I've learned the value of support and that I don't have to do this alone. Cancer has given me a new perspective on life - seeing what is truly important, being at peace with myself, living in the moment, and accepting all the waves in my life, gentle or raging. I am a cancer survivor, but this is not the end of my story, as I have opened my sails to new adventures."

Thank you to our sponsor, Dr. Martha Stewart, Board Certified Dermatologist.
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Still I Rise features stories from You Night's STORY CRAFTING COMMUNITY. To read additional stories, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/YouNightStories. Would you like to participate in a 6-week Story Crafting small group experience so that you can share your story? Write to us at teamyounight@gmail.com