Sometimes in life you meet people whose spirit and personality are larger than life.  They are the type of people who leave an everlasting impression on you.  They mesmerize you when they speak, they speak to you in a way reminiscent of an old friend, and they draw you in with their wisdom and knowledge.  This is how I felt today when I sat down with Katharine aka SupaWoman.

Last month, I set out to find real life SupaWomen.  I asked all of you to nominate women who you knew that had courageously battled breast cancer (http://www.glimpseofsoulphoto.com/blog/?p=672).  I wanted to celebrate them and share their story of inspiration.  Katharine was nominated by her friend, Jennifer, who thought she fit the description perfectly. Upon reading about her, I was instantly drawn towards Katharine’s story and knew that I wanted to get to know her better.  This afternoon, I sat down with her as she was being prepped by make-up artist, Monica Castillo, for her Glimpse of Soul Photo Session.  I felt like I was sitting down with a long-lost friend.

Katharine was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.  She discovered the lump in her breast one afternoon after taking a nap.   “I had gone out to play racquetball with my husband.  I had always been very active.  My husband kicked my butt in the game, so I was upset because I am very competitive.  I went to take a nap which is very unusual because I never take naps.  As soon as I laid down, I put my hand on my chest and felt a bump.  I intuitively knew that it was breast cancer,” says Katharine.  Thankfully, Katharine’s breast cancer was detected in a very early stage.  Ironically, she had a mammogram scheduled for the upcoming week.  After going through the different tests and having doctors confirm it was cancer, Katharine was given her options and she chose to go with a mastectomy and reconstruction.

Katharine is also the mother of two young boys, ages 6 and 8.  I asked her if, how, and what she told the boys about being diagnosed with cancer and all that meant.  Katharine says, “I told them everything.  I was very honest with them.”   She goes onto say that she did not want her boys to hear it from somebody else and to associate cancer with death.  “Cancer is not death. I never thought it was.  I knew I was going to be okay.  My kids keep me motivated.  I can’t wrap myself up around fear.  Your mind is stronger than anything else.  You’re bigger than cancer.”   

Overall, Katharine underwent 18 months of treatment.  Two weeks after her first surgery she was back in the gym with a trainer.  She attributes a huge part of her recovery to working out.  The same year she was diagnosed and underwent treatment–one month after her reconstructive surgery, Katharine signed up to run the Susan G. Komen Houston Race for the Cure.   “I saw the race as a target–a goal.”  And reach her goal she did! Last month, she ran the race for the 3rd year in a row. 

I asked Katharine how battling cancer changed her life.  She says, “It slows you down.  It forces you to be present versus letting life go on around you.”  She says these days she is more open to living life and says she’s even a better mother.  “I appreciate my kids more.  I’m a better parent.  I’m calmer, more peaceful.”

Before meeting Katharine, I thought her story would be one of a woman who battled breast cancer, but after talking with her I know her story is so much more.  Her story is about LIVING–being PRESENT in your life and living it with purpose, courage, and a positive attitude.  She says, “All situations are neutral.  YOU make of them what you want.”  Katharine says she’s much happier these days because she is willing to take the risk of being vulnerable.  She risks putting herself in situations that make her uncomfortable and take her out of her comfort zone.  Sure you can fail, but you can also be rewarded beyond your wildest dreams.

As we drove to the shoot, I couldn’t help but tear up with emotion.  Katharine moved me because she spoke with such sincerity, honesty, and conviction.  Her words kept playing back in my mind,  “After going through this, I can now look people in the eyes and really hear what they have to say.  I appreciate them and take the time to listen.  People bring you gifts everyday, you just have to be ready for them.”  She’s right about that.  I was gifted today by Katharine–with her infectious optimism, her beautiful smile, warm heart, and encouragement to live life with purpose.  Thank you, SupaWoman, for gifting us all with your beautiful spirit.

*A special thank you to The Spa at Cinco Ranch (www.cincospa.com) and American Laser Centers (www.americanlaser.com) for donating gift certificates and to makeup artist, Monica Castillo, for enhancing Katharine’s beauty with her makeup application.*

**Katharine also recommends anyone facing breast cancer in their life to read the book THE BREAST BOOK by Susan Love.  She says it will prepare you for the whole journey and educate you about what’s ahead.**

Peace, Love, Joy & Abundance