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Arianna Manuel
My name is Arianna Manuel. I am a Breast Cancer Survivor. My life was forever affected on August 12, 2010, when I received my Stage 3 Breast Cancer diagnosis. After a three-day pity party, I pulled up my “big girl panties” and decided to fight for my life, not only for myself but also for my family. I have a husband and two sons who very much need me in their life. God was not ready for me yet!
What a journey I have been on since. I immediately had a double mastectomy followed by four months of chemotherapy. I then moved on to several medical tests, follow-up surgeries, hair loss and the list goes on and on….but, I SURVIVED all of it. What got me through it all was the support of my family & friends, the medical staff and Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Currently, I am fairly healthy and continue to work on getting even healthier which I am sure would please my physicians. As part of my journey, I joined a support group at Gwinnett Medical Center, Circle of Caring, where we meet monthly at a minimum. I am lucky to have a wonderful group of survivor sisters. We support each other and continue to fight for our right to stay on the planet a little longer. I have developed lifelong friendships with ladies that I have more in common with that we would all like, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Cancer has affected me negatively AND positively. The Cancer process itself is indeed no fun to go through, but I now have a circle of friends that I love with all my heart. We all have received and provided each other with emotional support, education, meals, rides to doctors/hospitals, a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen. I am not alone in this battle.
In this fight, I support a variety of organizations to raise money and further education about this disease. I am very proud to be affiliated with the non-profit, Beyond The Ribbon! BTR is hard at work to serve those affected by Cancer in Gwinnett County, which is my community. I have no doubt BTR will continue to significantly and positively impact our community in the fight against Cancer providing resources and support for those in need.
Please consider donating to spread the message of HOPE FOR A CURE. I am living proof that Cancer is not a death sentence, but an illness that has to be dealt with vigorously and swiftly.
