My Name is Mica - Why I Chose to Pink 365 with Tigerlily

Hi, my name is Mica Soto.

 

Two and a half years ago, just like any other ordinary day, I sat down at my computer and opened up my Facebook page. I noticed in my notifications that I had received an invitation to one of Tigerlily's events. Tigerlily? Who's that and what are they about? I looked up the organization online and I was immediately drawn to the foundation. Without hesitation, I purchased my ticket and was welcomed into the Tigerlily family with open arms.

 

I truly believe that it was no coincidence that I learned about Tigerlily. Some of the most amazing women in my life have fought...and won the battle against breast cancer. My Great Grandma Gene, my Grandma Grey, my Auntie Kim (she was diagnosed in her 30's) and Ms. Debbie, my daughter's childhood daycare provider whom I have so much admiration and respect for. My dear friend, Kristin, shared her story during Tigerlily's event about her mother's fight with breast cancer. Unfortunately, it was a battle that she lost. There wasn't a dry eye in the room after hearing her testimony. It was a truly inspiriting evening. 

Maimah's spirit and true dedication to the support of women with breast cancer and their families have inspired me and so many others to raise awareness, empower women undergoing treatment and encourage our community to take an active stance. Last year, I was able to transition careers and with insipiration from amazing women, such as my mom, my six-year old daughter, Carter, and the fearless Maimah Karmo, I had finally mustered up the courage to begin my own non-profit to support other local non-profits by providing dessert donations. My daughter and I made our first dessert donation to Tigerlily's buddy bag program last week and we couldn't be more thrilled! Much love to the Tigerlily Family for their unwavering support and commitment. God bless your endeavors and hard work.

Mica Soto
President, Sweets By Sassy
Vice President, IAM Energy, Inc.

Telling Your Story....The Bigger Picture

A friend called me and asked me to talk to the mother of a newly diagnosed young woman.  Noelle was finishing up her homework and I was about to shut down for the night.  I told her that I would make the call, then we'd have our mommy and me time. I got up to walk away, but she said, "you can talk here Mommy." So, I sat back down and made the call. 

When I got off the phone, she came closer to me and said, "Mommy, don't you get tired telling that story? People ask you to tell it all the time and it's the same story every time..." I looked at her and thought about it for a moment, then I told her. "Well, it's not really my story anymore. This is the same story that many other women tell and for me, every time I tell mine, it's like sharing a piece of me, so that the person knows better, feels better and does better. Whenever I tell my story, if it gives someone hope, the feeling of comfort, love and makes people think and do something, then I have to keep telling it. Sometimes, Noelle, our story doesn't really just belong to us. It's for a bigger purpose. God just makes us the vehicle through which the story is told."  She looked at me and sat in silence as she digested it all for a few minutes.  I thought to myself, "she must think I'm freaking crazy." Then she said, "what do you mean vehicle?" I explained. After a long pause, she says, "okay, I get it." I have the feeling that's not the end of that conversation, but the beginning of many more.

What I wanted her to understand was that sharing one's story isn't always just what it appears to be at first glance.  It's more about offering up a part of yourself so that you create a commonality that enables the other person to listen, open up or be inspired.  It can be about connecting with someone else on a deeper level, letting them know and feel that you are with them, on their journey because you have walked in their shoes and that they are not alone. When you open your heart to someone, especially someone going through a challenging time, something beautiful happens between the receiver and the giver.  That thing can be inspiration or hope.  Too often, we keep our stories, "our golden nuggets" to ourselves. We think that someone might judge us, feel sorry for us, think differently about us or not understand.  Often times, sharing is like extending a hand and allows others to feel that you two are similar in more ways than you knew.

Today, I'd like to share "Tanya's" story, in the hopes that it might inspire someone to make life changes, share important breast health information with a young woman they love, donate or give their time to support our worthy cause. 

This past week, we got a letter from a young woman Tigerlily Foundation has been supporting over the past two years.  She said, "The past two years I've been receiving help from Tigerlily Foundation in the form of bill payments, [payments for] treatment expenses, and travel expenses to and from my chemotherapy appointments.   Truly angels from above.  I'm 36 years old with Stage 4 breast cancer.  It started in May 2007 & metastasized to my brain,  spine, ribs, hips and now I've lived 6 years... longer than they expected me to.  ... the chemotherapy I took to hopefully kill breast cancer has now  caused therapy related leukemia.  I need help now...more than ever  before.  

We are thankful that Tanya reached out to us and plan to support her all the way.  I hope that you'll realize that Tanya's story is similar to what many young women go through... Tigerlily Foundation is here to give them vital support - thanks to the hard work of our team, generous sponsors, donors, volunteers and community.   It takes a small army to make this all possible.  I hope you join us in making a difference....