Thank you @bravelikegabe for keeping @gigrunewald ‘s legacy alive, and for all you do for our ACC community💕🙏💕
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In 2017, Shawn, a mom of three, was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma when a tumor was found in her nasal cavity and upper palate. She underwent a surgery to remove the tumor, which included removing her palate. She now wears an artificial palate called an obturator. “My experience has given me great compassion for others with invisible wounds. I realize we all walk around with them, in some way shape or form. I am truly grateful to be able to use what I learned with my walk with ACC to come beside others, and encourage them through whatever they may be walking through.”
Shawn is an inspirational author and speaker who dedicates her cancerversaries to helping others. On the one year anniversary of completing treatment, she launched her book, Our Struggles Have Purpose, which describes 55 life lessons she learned through her walk with cancer, from diagnosis through the end of treatment. “I wholeheartedly believe my struggles have led me to my deeper purpose; to love others beside me, from family to strangers, and to encourage those next in line.”
Shawn’s husband helped her stay active throughout treatment, arranging a place for her to stay where she could walk 3 miles to and from treatment every day. She found nourishment in the fresh air and routine walk in nature. Shawn describes this as finding what her body is able to do to take care of her mind and spirit. “Find what you like to do, and what you are able to do, and go and do it. By doing what we are able to do isn’t just for our body’s wellbeing, but will help nourish us within as well.”
Shawn, thank you for sharing your story and lifting up those around you. We can be #BraveLikeShawn today by walking, wheeling, or running some miles for ourselves and for those we love!