lawestbrook

Since moving to Columbus, Ohio over 14 years ago, I have put my career on hold to raise my 3 children. The job of being a full time homemaker has given me a sense of pride that no other job in the world could ever do.

Once my children entered elementary school, I started volunteering my time. During those years, I became the PTO-VP and then the PTO-President of my children's elementary school. Working with the staff and helping the students achieve success was something I enjoyed doing everyday. I also volunteered with the OhioReads Program, helping kindergarten through fourth grade students improve their reading skills.

I was an active member of the LDS church's women organization of the Relief Society. Where I was an Instructor, Enrichment Leader, and the Secretary. I enjoyed singing in my church choir as well as the community choir.

I also volunteered as a Foster Parent for the organization Paws For Cause.

Currently I am a member of my children's high school academic booster's club. As well as volunteering with the National MS Society.

In October 2009, I was diagnosed with Melanoma in-situ, and then in February 2010, I was diagnosed with Melanoma Stage 1A. In June of 2010, I had to have a partial right hemicolectomy due to a mass found on my Ileum. Thankfully it turned out to be benign.

I have learned to be grateful for the small things in life and not to take people for granted. I have been very blessed in catching my cancers early. I have had to make adjustments in my life, but it is a small price to pay to stay alive. I now have to have Vitamin B12 shots for the rest of my life due to the lack of the Ileum. But again, this is just a small adjustment for a healthier me.

Love those in your life, and let them know what they mean to you. Life is nothing without love...