Finding out you have Breast Cancer may be the most terrifying news you could ever hear. It affects not only you, but those who love you most, your family. Below is a Q&A session with Dawn Printup. She is one of three children and her mother, Rhonda Printup, just fought one of the toughest battles of her life, Breast Cancer.

Q: When was your mother first diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
A: She was first diagnosed on March 11, 2014

Q: What was your initial reaction to the news?
A: My first reaction to the news… I was in shock, instantly scared. I’ve known women with Breast Cancer but never in a million years did I think it would affect my mom.

Q: After you received the news, what was the first step in the process to recovery?
A: The first step was to meet with her oncologist about the results and different treatment options. The doctor told us she didn’t really have an option about chemo. They wanted to do chemo first and then do the mastectomy. She had a choice whether she wanted to remove the infected breast or remove both. She also had a choice whether she wanted to have implants or a fat transfer. She chose to remove both breast because she didn’t want to risk the cancer returning and affecting the other breast. She opted to do the fat transfer because her own fat would be the implant rather than some foreign man-made creation.

Q: How did “Pearls for Printup” come about?
A: “Pearls For Printup” came about after my mom told my sisters and I that she wanted to do something to bring awareness to Breast Cancer. My two sisters and myself formed the idea. My mom loves pearls so we went from there. The challenge was how to incorporate the support of men as well. Men in general are opposed to wearing pearls so I decided to surprise her for Mother’s Day with wristbands to sell and raise money for her medical expenses.

Q: What were your initial thoughts when the “Pearls for Printup” campaign launched?
A: The feeling was overwhelming but we knew we would have a good turnout. We were glad people were supporting us as well as asking questions to get a better understanding about Breast Cancer and the trials we were about to endure.

Q: How comfortable was your mother with having her process documented and shared on social media?
A: My mom was very comfortable with her process being documented and shared on social media. In fact she encouraged it.
A: RHONDA– I was fine with it as long as it touched somebody’s heart, encouraged them, and made them want to get help.

Q: What was the most memorable moment?
A: The most memorable moment during this process was her finishing her chemo, hearing the pathology results that she is cancer-free, and seeing all the unconditional love that was shown throughout this experience.

Q: Was there ever a time you or your mother felt angry?
A: We were never angry but afraid! Never angry because we know everything happens for a reason and that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.

Q: What was the hardest part of the process?
A: The hardest part of this process for me was seeing my mom in pain and tired all the time. She’s usually energetic and full of life but during this process there were times when she wanted to talk to no one and wanted no company, which isn’t her at all. For her, the hardest part was dealing with the side effects of the chemo especially the neuropathy in her feet. In addition to the most recent, recuperation phase. She’s having a tough time with the double mastectomy and having the fat from her stomach put in her breast. 

Q: How has this experience affected your faith?
A: RHONDA- It has made me stronger. I do know miracles do happen. I know God is there. I’ve felt his presence throughout this whole ordeal. I have the best family and support group

Q: How has this experience change your family dynamic moving forward?
A: It has made us stronger than we’ve ever been before. We appreciate each other much more now. We’ve always supported each other but now nothing can come between us. This was not a battle for my mom but for my family as a whole. We went through everything together. We cried together, laughed together, but most importantly prayed together. We’ve made it through the toughest thing we’ve had to face as a family and we are willing and ready for any other obstacle that is thrown at us. We live by the phrase “A family that prays together stays together”.

Q: What advice do you have for families that are fighting the same battle?
A: Stay positive and keep the faith! Find someone you can always go and talk to. Don’t sit down and feel sorry for yourself, don’t throw a pity party. FIGHT!
A: RHONDA- Remember this is not my battle but God’s. I have or had cancer, cancer doesn’t have me!