Burning hope

On Election Day, I opened the mail that had been collecting for a few days. Typically, it consists of just a few bills or ads for free window replacements. One fancy, gold-embossed envelope stood out. The return address was from my local Board of Commissioners.

As I opened the envelope, I wondered if there was an issue with my early ballot vote. Or a letter about a zoning violation or missed parking ticket. Nope. It was a personal letter from my local county commissor, Heather Edelson.

Heather wrote that she read about my book, “The Mastectomy I Always Wanted,” in the local paper. She celebrated my bravery in sharing my story. Then, she shared that she was a breast cancer survivor and had a double mastectomy years ago.

I had no idea. Wow.

I couldn’t believe she took the time to personally write to me amid her own re-election campaign.

Women who have experienced this journey are not only remarkable - they are also inspiring in the ways they give back. They have overcome great pain and fear to get to the other side. Then, they do what all strong women do: reach out, encourage, and help others.

Read Heather’s supportive letter below.

I’m happy to report that Heather was re-elected by a strong margin. She will continue to serve our community with integrity, grace, and compassion.

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Her letter was a bright light for me on election day.

In what ways can you light a candle for someone in your life?

Erica Neubert Campbell

Erica Neubert Campbell is a writer and longtime cancer advocate who speaks the “language of cancer” from multiple perspectives. Erica is a breast cancer survivor who lost her mom to the same disease. She is the leader of the Pinky Swear Foundation, which supports kids with cancer and their families. And she spent nearly three decades volunteering at Camp Fantastic, a summer camp for children with cancer.

Erica is the founder of the Laundry Knob Society blog, where she shares honest writing about life’s struggles. In her debut memoir, The Mastectomy I Always Wanted, Erica creates vulnerable and trusting spaces as a way to create a community of support.

Learn more at www.ericaneubertcampbell.com

https://www.ericaneubertcampbell.com
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