No one survives life’s toughest challenges alone. Sometimes we have our family, friends and medical professionals by our side to help us. And sometimes, the most important thing we can do is learn from other stories of survival. When we meet people who have not only experienced something similar but actually came through it better and stronger, it provides hope and inspiration. We invite you to Share your Story of “Surviving & Thriving.” Your words could be just the thing someone needs to keep moving forward. Share the gift of hope.
Submitted by Sally Derrick:
In August 2012, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Four months later, I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I am also a melanoma survivor.
This has been an amazing journey. Even though the odds were against me, I believed in miracles and never gave up.
I am married 30 years to the man of my dreams and have the most amazing children — 9, 12 and 17 years old. I had every reason to fight to be here. My faith and the love and support of family and friends got me through this.
Even in the middle of horrible chemotherapy, we established an organization called Sally’s Hope to help Brevard County families affected by cancer. My 17 year old son recorded a CD and held a fundraiser to raise money for the cause. We decided that no matter what happened to me, he would continue Sally’s Hope and carry on my legacy.
Paying it Forward is the best treatment. I have been able to speak at many events and offer hope and help to so many hurting people . Telling people that I have survived three deadly cancers and still have a beautiful and wonderful life is so amazing.
My family truly has its priorities now and we enjoy and love every minute of this incredible life we have.
Sally’s Hope is a total non for profit organization. 100 percent of all donations help the cancer families in our area. We are located in Melbourne, Florida.
The diagnosis was a nightmare but surviving is a dream come true!
Please share my story. I wish I would have been able to read and hear stories of hope with my diagnosis. I was told to go home and prepare to die. I had half of my pancreas removed, my spleen removed and my entire left lung removed and still have an amazing life. If I can help anyone else through this journey realize that it might be a bad day or two but not a bad life.
Thank you so much for creating a show like this to encourage and inspire!
