Melissa, a first-time author, is so grateful to be able to bring her story to life! She was born in Massachusetts and grew up as a professional ballet dancer in the Boston area. She currently teaches pilates in Boston and on the North Shore. As a health and wellness advocate, she lives and breathes a healthy lifestyle for herself, her family, and her clients. Therefore, when she was diagnosed with Stage three HER2+ breast cancer at the age of thirty-eight, her world was rocked. She couldn't believe a healthy person such as herself could get so sick. She was a new mom of a beautiful baby girl, who was just one year old at the time. Throughout her year of treatment (chemo, double mastectomy, and radiation), she maintained her healthy lifestyle as best as she could, striving to show her daughter her strength and to set an example for women everywhere to be advocates for their own health. She was inspired to write this story of her journey through her daughter's eyes as a way to give back to the cancer community. This story is a way for others to share their diagnosis with their young children and show them that, no matter what life throws at you, you can do hard things. Whether it's a cancer diagnosis or tying your shoes, your little ones will be inspired to keep trying, be strong, and do the hard things!She resides in the North Shore with her beautiful family: her husband, daughter Sage, son Asher, and Australian Shepherd Stanlee. After treatment, she got back on the stage to perform the Nutcracker and is so grateful that she is healthy and happy. Never take life for granted-it's truly a gift!
