Hello, dear readers! I am Orquidea Garcia, and I want to share my story with you. I’m a mother of four and a dedicated teacher. Life had always been a beautiful dance of balancing these roles until an unexpected twist came my way in June 2022 – I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer that had first appeared in my brain.

The journey from diagnosis to where I stand today has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with highs and lows, but I’ve learned some invaluable lessons. I’m excited to take you through my experiences, both the challenging and the uplifting, and my involvement in the Breast Cancer Patient Giveback photoshoot with the incredible Felicia Reed.

A Passionate Heart

Before my diagnosis, I was already passionate about several things. Spending time with my kids tops the list, closely followed by my love for art, music, travel, and the great outdoors. These passions have always been the driving force behind my life, and they played an even more significant role in my healing journey.

A Turning Point

As I embarked on my cancer journey, I realized that life could change in an instant. This realization compelled me to offer some advice to women out there. I encourage everyone to have precautionary CT and MRI scans and to seek medical advice if anything feels off in their bodies. Early detection can be a lifesaver.

A New Perspective

Now, let me take you on a journey to a remarkable experience – the Breast Cancer Patient Giveback photoshoot with Felicia Reed. I decided to participate because the idea sounded wonderful, and I owe a debt of gratitude to my patient navigator, Melissa Ruiz, who introduced me to this opportunity.

Working with Felicia was an absolute delight. Her encouragement made me feel confident and comfortable during the shoot. I cherish the photos with my son and my mom, as well as the ones where I appear confident and centered. These images have changed the way I see myself. I am not just one definition; I can be a mother, an artist, a woman, and a survivor.

Embracing All Facets of Myself

To any woman facing adversity, I offer this advice: love and accept yourself as you are, even as you strive to make changes. Be kind to yourself, whether taking one step or a thousand. Life can be unpredictable, but through every twist and turn, we can define our own narrative.

As I continue my journey, I embrace every facet of myself. I am a mother, a teacher, an artist, a traveler, and a survivor. And it is in this diversity that I find strength and resilience. I hope my story inspires you to embrace every part of who you are and to navigate life’s challenges with grace and courage.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more of my experiences with you in the future. Stay strong, stay beautiful, and always be kind to yourself.