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day. “I enjoy my life — my time — more. I appreciate things more. And it made me realize that every day that I open my eyes is a gift. But it has also made me more scared. I am terrified of the cancer coming back.”

She didn’t strike me as a woman who was afraid of anything. Indeed, her strength and courage inspired me — inspires me.

“What do you want others to know, Jennifer?” I asked, looking for her to provide some nugget of wisdom.

“Cancer doesn’t care what color you are, if you are religious or not, if you are rich or poor, or how old you are. It doesn’t care.”

She paused then added, “And it’s important to keep an eye on your health. Ladies, do your self exams.”