Photo submitted

Rachel Ross with husband Renny and two of her four children, Zach, left, and Levi.

Cancer. Not a word that you want to hear when you go to the doctor’s office. 

The word cancer is a scary thought. No one wants to hear that word. I have never realized how much cancer actually affects a person and their families. I for one can say it’s taken a toll on my family.

In March 2024, my mother, Rachel Ross, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.

The most common form of cancer in the world today is breast cancer. Breast Cancer is represented by a pink ribbon, the reason you see a lot of pink during the month of October.

I never truly saw the importance of supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month, until I had a close loved one get it.

If you happen to be going through this, just know that you are not alone. There are so many people out there who have been touched by breast cancer and a community has been built so we can help each other through it.

The comeback is stronger than the setback. That has been the motto throughout my mom’s treatment.

My great aunt printed shirts with that statement on the front and “Team Rachel” on the back.

These shirts are also available for anyone to purchase, and ALL proceeds will be donated to Clark Regional Medical Center.

My mother spent six months going through the chemo process and is currently in the process of radiation.

She has to wake up early each morning, Monday through Friday, for three weeks, to drive all the way down to Richmond for her radiation that starts at 8 a.m.

One thing that has really helped my mom throughout her fight is the Bible verse, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” -Nehemiah 8:10.

My mother purchased pink bracelets citing this verse to help remind people that the joy and faith we have in the Lord will make us stronger and allow us to fight this fight alongside our mother. She is not alone. This unfortunate circumstance with her diagnosis has only brought my whole family closer together.

My mother is and will always be the strongest person I know. Her fight against breast cancer has proven the fact to be true. She is a fighter and will keep fighting. I know the kind of woman my mother is.

Mom, I love you.