Some years of settling brought me back east. Then, as a kindergarten teacher and single parent of two young girls, I was diagnosed with metastatic malignant melanoma. When I was told to go home, write my will, and find someone to raise my children, I was up against an enemy I thought far stronger than I was or could ever hope to be. When faced with adversity as a child, my mom would always whisper in my ear, "You can do it." How many times did I close my eyes and relive those words?

At the same time, my dearest friend's daughter, Becky, age 8, was diagnosed with leukemia. We fought our battles separately but with mutual support. Our treatments were very different. Becky had several rounds of chemotherapy and finally radiation. I agreed only to surgery, refusing other traditional therapies. Fighting terror, I researched alternative healing and took charge of my treatment. Surgery, acupuncture, massage, macrobiotics, yoga, and meditation resonated within. I delved in headfirst, focused on the journey ahead. During a quiet moment of sharing, at Becky's request I promised her that if she died, I would become a cancer nurse.