BOLD

-Adjective-not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring:

-Today I cried. It wasn’t the kind of crying that leaves you with a stuffy nose and swollen eyes, it was tears of emotion pouring out of my eyes. You see I am not a “cryer”. It takes a lot for me to show strong emotion. I have been staying strong for the past 6 weeks since Kathy found out she has breast cancer.  Every day for Kathy is dotted with another what if, why, when and how. What if I need Chemo? Why don’t I have a firm diagnosis? How will I pay for all this? How is this affecting my kids?

 The funny thing was that my tears fell at the strangest time. I was at an assembly today at the school I work at. The assembly was about bullying and was sponsored by a non-profit group called Boldly Me.

The main speaker was Alana Powell the founder of Boldly Me. Alana has alopecia. Alopecia is an autoimmune disorder which affects the hair follicles. Some people with the disease only lose patches of hair, while others lose all of their hair.  Alana spoke about her life with and without hair, how she always felt different, and how three years ago she finally took off her wig and walked down the street confidently and without fear of being different. Then she suddenly took off her wig in front of half of our school. That was when my waterfall of tears started. I saw so much strength, determination, and courage in that one brave moment. I looked up at Alana and she too was crying.

I see that same strength, courage and determination rising up inside my little sister Kathy. Yes she is becoming BOLD! Her last post SPIN CYCLE described all of tests she has recently endured.   Nothing is fun or funny about  tests or surgery but somehow Kathy found a way – her motto- Just get on the gurney- in other words don’t hesitate, or be fearful in the face of danger-there will be a shift..your bully will become powerless… Be BOLD!

By Mary Bessler- Kathy’s sister-