So, you know how people tell us not to make assumptions on people's "perfect, care-free" lives because they aren't always what they seem? I've been thinking about that the last few weeks and well, it's pretty true. Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows, or in my case sunny hikes and uh, Bruno Mars, lol. Sometimes shit gets extra real and whether or not you decide to tell the world about you're catastrophe, it's your personal reality and you have to somehow deal with it. After careful thought, I've decided that I wanted to update you all on some things that I have been dealing with. Not because it makes it any more real, but because I feel like social media can be an important outlet for support and not just the latest world star video. About three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Endometrial (uterine) Cancer. Yeah, you read that correctly. Cancer. I had been having some health concerns and after a surgery and tests in California, this was the conclusion. It's really scary. I think I am still a bit in denial, and honestly, I'll be shocked for the rest of my life. I never would have thought I'd have cancer at the age of 24. To settle some minds though, my doctors and I believe that we caught it fairly early. However, we are still running tests so most treatment ideas are not set in stone. What's more important though, is that I am VERY optimistic and so eager to start my fight to beat this. So this is why I am back in Chicago. To be with family and to be treated. And I just wanted to let all of you know in case you thought I was being bogus and trying to dodge hanging out, lol.. Anywho, I truly believe positivity and laughter will help me get through this so I would love to have a million ice cream, movies in the park, salsa dancing and puppy play dates all throughout the summer if anyone is interested. It keeps my mind off all of this, so it'd be super helpful. Also, if anyone wants to rock the color peach in support of uterine cancer (which is coincidentally my favorite color) I wouldn't be opposed to it. ๐ it'll make you look tan for summer too, haha. With all that being said, the only thing I seriously ask of anyone who reads this... If we see each other, please don't treat me like a cancer patient. Or feel the need to apologize for anything. I don't mind at all talking about it, if you want to learn about what I'm going through, I'm glad to let you in.. But having cancer does not and will not define my life. I've always been a strong independent woman and this is not going to change that. I'm going to beat it, smile bigger and laugh louder by the end of it. I'd love for you to smile and laugh with me too. ...and use peach buns emojis. ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ Love you guys. โค๏ธ