Shannon Thompson

I am a Breast Cancer Survivor!

I was lying in the ultrasound room after undergoing a mammogram when the doctor came in, reached for my hand and said “sorry to tell you this, but you have breast cancer.” My heart sank to the floor as I looked at my husband.

During my diagnosis I had a single mastectomy, six grueling rounds of chemotherapy, a shot in the stomach every three weeks and 12 rounds of Herceptin. I never let my guard down and I managed to walk through every day with grace, integrity and the faith of God’s healing hands upon my shoulders. It has been two years and six months since my diagnosis and I’m living my life the way I’m supposed to—happy and with no regrets.

I joined the Fight to End Breast Cancer in June of 2013 when I built a team called the Ribbon Warriors for the Race for the Cure and have been very active in raising awareness and fundraising for this great cause ever since. I became very well known through my community and the state of Nevada after proving that I was determined to do whatever it took to help the Susan G. Komen mission. I detailed vehicles out of my garage, hosted a car wash, sold raffle tickets to a quilt made in my honor, held a Scentsy party at my house and I even wrote a letter of hope that I hand-delivered to over 200 local businesses. These ef-forts got me recognized by Susan G Komen, New Balance, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Bowl for the Cure and most of all, cancer patients who needed inspiration and hope.

I decided after my diagnosis that I would do whatever it took to PAY IT FORWARD. No matter what life throws at us, nothing is impossible. With faith, hope and courage your body can do impressive things beyond the mind that you never knew were possible. Attitude is everything! Life was given to us to be free of pain, suffering and full of love and happiness. So go out into the world and live your life to its fullest and embrace every bit of it!