The Letter

I'm breaking up my experience today regarding the "Pink Package" into two posts. It's just a lot to read and take in. Part of me wanted to sum up the letter I was sent. But all of it is important, and I always like to share light on great non-profits doing good in the community, in case those I know are looking for somewhere respectable and trustworthy to donate towards:

Fighting Pretty

Dear Michelle,

I hear you are quite the amazing lady!

My name is Kara Skaflestad, and I too was diagnosed with cancer. At the age of 26, I was diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer and went through everything from a double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and am still on hormone therapy. Though you are going through your own journey, I can certainly relate to the emotions and craziness of what you are going through. Your friend, Katie Sorensen (whom I went to High School with!), reached out to me and told me how amazing you are, so we wanted to send you a Pretty Package in hopes that it will brighten your day!

"Fighting Pretty" is a non-profit organization that I recently started to help women like you feel strong and beautiful during and after cancer treatments. So please enjoy some of the items in this "Pretty Package" to celebrate just how amazing you are! As you will see, we've included some goodies for you...inspirational items to remind you to keep on fighting, some makeup and a scarf to help you feel fabulous, but most importantly, a pair of mini pink boxing gloves.

The story of the boxing gloves began when I was going through chemotherapy, and my best friend's mom - also a survivor - sent me a pair of mini pink boxing gloves. In her note she told me they were a symbol of strength: to always remember to never stop fighting! So I hung mine on my bedpost and looked at them every single day. About two years later, I encountered a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer. I looked at myself and knew my fight was over, and her fight was beginning. So I sent my boxing gloves to her and she used them to stay strong and have hope that she too would get through her fight. Well, she finished her fight last year, and she is doing great! So what did she do? She sent those boxing gloves on to someone she knew battling lymphoma - all for the symbol of strength of and hope. 

So please use those pink boxing gloves as a reminder to never give up and keep on fighting your fight! And when you are all finished - and healthy, happy - you can pass them on too!

We wish you all the best Michelle, and know you are in our thoughts and prayers. And always remember, you are beautiful, fabulous and amazing! 

And if you would like to share any tips or send any pictures on how you are "fighting pretty" please email us at fightingpretty@gmail.com and we will feature them on our website to help other women!

Love always,

Kara Skaflestad

Breast Cancer Survivor