During the month of October we are sharing stories from women whose lives and experiences have been shaped by a breast cancer diagnosis. We hope these stories will help provide comfort and courage to others whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Karie Clapham never imaged she would be dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 35. She had no family history of the disease and she was still breastfeeding her youngest son.

Karie, a mother of five boys, became alarmed when she started experiencing a hot feeling in her left breast. Her nurse practitioner thought it was probably a cyst, but sent her for a mammogram. She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer following a biopsy in July 2014.

Karie underwent a mastectomy of her left breast followed by radiation and chemotherapy. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and feels a little uneasy about completing her treatments in December. “If I get it again it’s not curable – just treatable – and I’ll have it for the rest of my life. That’s scary.”

Her journey has been incredibly difficult, especially since she wants to focus on caring for her boys. “The radiation sucked the life out of me at times, but I learned what life is supposed to be. You have to find a reason to smile everyday. I’m grateful I’m here and I can celebrate that.”

And while it took her awhile to come to terms with losing a breast, “now I’m rockin’ a bikini with one boob.” she said. “I’m young and I want to feel sexy. My body is amazing.”

She also appreciates friends and family members who have stuck by her. “I don’t have a huge support system, but the people I have are amazing. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.” Karie has also made many new friends on her journey and has been amazed by the kindness of strangers. “It’s crazy how supportive people have been,” she said.

She also wants to give back by helping other women who are going through treatment. She is currently seeking donations and putting together ‘chemo gift bags’ stuffed with head scarfs or wraps, hats, plastic silverware, lotion, hand sanitizer, hard candy and other items. Anyone interested in making a donation can call her at (217) 690-2246. Thankful to gather enough materials for five bags so far, she is hoping to put together 20.

“While getting cancer hasn’t been a blessing, the lessons I’ve learned along the way have been,” she said. “You have to take time to enjoy life and be silly. It’s the little things that bring me joy.”