I never thought I’d write a book. I did know that once I started writing it, I’d never feel finished! I had just turned thirty when I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. The only treatment option that I had for a full recovery was chemotherapy, a radical mastectomy and radiation. During my treatments and recovery, I wrote a book about my experience, called “The Gown Opens in the Front.” It contains journal entries, funny stories and tips for making chemotherapy, surgery and radiation a little more bearable. Much more than a story about breast cancer, the book is also about my struggle with depression and what steps I have been taking to fight it. In 2007, I began speaking in public about cancer. I do motivational talks for cancer groups, mental health groups, healthcare workers and healthcare students. Public speaking is very important to me, it helps me to heal, plus it feels great to inspire others! I believe that everyone has a story, and that if we listen to each other’s stories, we learn more about ourselves. Thank you for the chance to share mine.