I’ve known Kori for a LONG time. Her story is one that can only be described as miraculous on steroids. For a long time Kori’s story was drug addiction, alcoholism, theft, and prison. Change began happening in her and soon treatment and recovery were added to her story. At last, this year saw opening up before her a life of integrity and freedom that she began living with a tenacity and grace that amazed me.
Then, 134 days ago, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
I sat down with her the day after her last chemo treatment to see how her life, her mind and her heart have been changed for the better and worse by cancer. Here’s what she had to say.
It has changes quite a bit. Drug and alcohol treatment changed my perspective – but not enough. I still thought trivial things were important after that but now, there are things that are just NOT important. Being the fastest person on the road, not important. Getting there safely, important. Disagreeing with people over silly things, not important. Making memories, living in the movement – important. The bottom line, not important. Taking care of each other, important. Finishing together, that’s what’s important.
The entire disease has been a blessing, it has opened my eyes to so many things. It has brought me so much joy in the face of something so horrible. To endure the chemo and actually feel like “this must be what dying feels like” and then be surprised daily with gifts or encouragement and life from friends and SO many strangers has just completely overwhelmed me.
I am determined to live a life of trying to giving back in accordance with all that I have received.
Life doesn’t stop when you find out you have cancer. Food, medicine, gas, bills don’t stop just because you get sick.
I had to leave my job that I loved to move in with my mom who lived far away from my friends and community.
It wasn’t real until the port was put in and it was devastating. I have this foreign object inside of me and this scar on my chest. I thought I’d been through enough … I’d just turned 40 and I was really excited, hoping to find and meet someone. I had a job I loved, a family that I could finally see, children that I have a great relationship with … and then it all changed. I was mad. I couldn’t work out, I had to take chemo, I lost my hair, and I didn’t want to be sick. The sick really took me by surprise. I tried to do normal things and then just felt terrible. I realized I couldn’t “be normal,” I couldn’t do things I wanted to do.
Giving up my life, my hiking, my beach, my summer – the season I live for because I can be in my most favorite place just sucked. I feel like I lost a lot.
I like people to talk to me instead of stare at me.
I like the question, “Is your bald head a fashion statement or are you going through something?”
I most appreciate when people acknowledge my fight. I have strangers hug me and tell me, “I had a double mastectomy and I’m fiver years clean.” Those get me and change the feeling of my day in a positive way dramatically.
Following Kori’s cancer journey on Facebook has been so wonderful and heartbreaking to see. My favorite comment of hers on cancer simply stated this:
“I am the happiest person with cancer. It’s leaving my body and I’m thankful for that. But everything that has happened to me when I got cancer has been a blessing to me.”
– Do you have a cancer story, your own or a loved one’s?
– What did you learn from it?
– How has it changed your life?
18 Comments
Molly,
What a inspirational blog and interview. Kori, you never cease to amaze with your attitude and spirit. I appreciate your straight forward, no holds bar approach to your life. God bless you on your continued journey of renewed health and personal development.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Fitz
Thank you, Molly! This is an amazing interview & I know it will inspire many, many people- both with & without cancer. Kori’s attitude is what will help others overcome ANY challenge in their life. I had the pleasure of notarizing her Advanced Healthcare Directive for her as she prepares for surgery. We sat together for quite a while & listening to her was amazing. I could sit & listen to her for days. She is so inspiring, candid, hilarious & tough! You just can’t help but be stronger after a few moments with her. Thank you so much! XOXOX, Carrie
Molly,
Thank you for doing this interview and allowing us to share in this journey with a little more clarity.
Kori,
You are an amazing woman. Strong, encouraging, bright, hopeful and beautiful inside and out. To have so much going on and still be able to smile is powerful and inspiring. I admire your courage and strength during these difficult days. I look forward to hearing about your future and what is in store for you. Continue to inspire us all with your courage and continue to keep smiling.
Amy
Molly,
Kori has the best attitude and outlook on life. She is always a joy to be around, and I just love her. Although I am fortunate to not have much experience with cancer in my family. I know it can be devastating. I love and admire Kori for keeping her spirits lifted.
-Erin
Molly….Thank you for this very insightful blog….Kori’s perspectives and how they have changed about life are good reminders for us…..I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes, “Inch by inch life’s a cinch…yard by yard life is hard” Life should be measured in the small things and the small steps…..Mark