Finding Beauty in Birthdays.

48 birthdays. And I have had the privilege of having 17 since my diagnosis.

Right before heading to bed last night, I received a text that another friend and PRG client had passed away. So, I laid awake through the night and couldn’t help but think, Why? Why do I get more birthdays and so many don't?

Why?!

It is such a crapshoot.

It has been such a season of loss for our PRG family, yet such a season of love. Not long ago, I went to my friend's funeral and as I hugged her mom, she said, "I don't know how you do this so often, Heather."

I looked into her eyes with tears running down my face and said:

“IT IS SUCH A PRIVILEGE.”

A privilege to see "in sickness and health" vows where couples come together when the news is bad and celebrate when the news is good.

A privilege to hear a young high school boy talk at his mom's funeral, "My mom's biggest fear was that we would only remember her being sick in our childhood. She lived in the present, enjoying every moment, always there for us...we will only remember how well you lived and how much you loved us.”

A privilege to know a breast surgeon, who has spent her entire life saving so many of us, was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer and her response was: "It is life, you know that Heather, my only goal is to get better so I can give back. That is what life is about."

A privilege to see the strength of community and strangers become friends Our PRG family continues to amaze me in the way you truly show up for our clients.

A privilege to work alongside each of you, our PRG clients, donors, employees, volunteers and PRG family, and focus on our mission. I seriously can't believe this is my job.

Life is beautiful. As we wake up to this beautiful sunrise and today was a beautifully pink one, I promise myself to no longer ask why, but to continue to live each day to the fullest and love BIG — as those before us have shown us the way. PRG family, thank you for continuing to change the world.

Love, Heather