June 18, 2004

I’m writing to share about an organization I’ve been honored to be part of recently. Survivor Diver’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for breast cancer survivors, to empower individuals to bring greater wellness into their lives, and to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention.

Established by Lisa Taylor, a woman who was a caregiver to her mother and grandmother, who both had breast cancer, Survivor Diver honors those who have survived the “ultimate challenge,” the fight for their life. Lisa’s mother took up scuba diving after her diagnoses and it became a great part of her recovery. She found that when underwater, weightless and surrounded by beautiful fish and colorful coral, she felt happy, peaceful and grateful to be alive. Cancer was no longer a fear to be controlled by, but a freedom and insight that life was truly a gift. Her mother survived many years and they shared many dives together. Today Lisa is carrying on her mother’s passion by introducing other breast cancer survivors to the adventure and peace of scuba diving. Through the class, she has honored those of us who have struggled and survived and provided us with a way to show the world (and ourselves) we are still vibrant women, celebrating life, and embracing it and all its challenges and that each of us has a story of courage and perseverance that can inspire others.

Something that’s an ironic but common side effect of cancer survival is that fighting cancer feels easier than surviving cancer. When you’re in surgeries and treament you feel like you’re actively fighting. When it’s over, panic sets in because you’re no longer doing anything to fight it off…just hoping and praying. Learning to feel hopeful about your future and letting go of your fear of recurrence takes constant courage that is strengthened by activities that engage you in re-embracing life and living with gratitude for each disease-free day.

I have found that ever since I had to face the possibility of dying, I am more perceptive of the moments I feel alive. Scuba diving has been one of those steps for me. It’s been emotionally healing to be around other survivors who are young and doing great and it’s been physically healing because experiencing the beauty and tranquility of a new underwater world feels like you’re “living life to the fullest.”

Because of special event fundraisers, corporate sponsorships and donations given to Survivor Diver in the past, I have been given this amazing opportunity. I have been honored to be a member of Survivor Diver’s first class. The class instruction, books, all the equipment needed, and a certification trip to the Bahamas were provided at no cost to me.

I’ve learned that not all healing is accomplished through medicine. Sometimes it comes through being with people with shared experiences and actively choosing to live each day fully. Donations to Survivor Diver provided that opportunity for me. Our donations can provide that opportunity for more women. I have made a personal donation and am asking you to join me. Together, we can honor other courageous survivors and enable them to experience hope, a lot of fun, and a renewed passion for life.

I have enclosed a brochure that includes a donation form for Survivor Diver, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. I encourage you to send a tax-deductible donation.

Thank You,
Michelle