A breast cancer survivor's inspirational story.

MY STORY by Karin Horen

At the age of just 26 I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

After losing my mother a year earlier, I had to face another challenge. Saving my own life.

I was one of the lucky ones. I was one of those women who felt something was wrong and made it the doctor on time.

He said 'you are so young, its probably nothing.' But an ultrasound showed it beyond doubt. It was breast cancer.

From that moment onwards, I entered a new world. For the next year while my friends were partying I had to go through chemotherapy and radiation, hoping for the best.

And I did. I always hoped, and never stopped to ask the question – Why me? I researched, read, asked questions, admired my scalp and embraced my hair loss, and the fact that I lost almost half of my breast. At the age of 26 when all my girlfriends wore bikinis on the beach and open dresses, I had radiation drawings on my body and went to hospital every couple of weeks for treatment which made me sick as a dog.

"I wanted to continue my life just the way it was, and not stop for a second. That is the way I felt. Desperate to win."

But that did not stop me from getting my first big job as a media buyer in Ogilvy TLV, a big advertising agency and finishing my treatments while growing my hair back.

I went to the first interview wearing a wig, and the second interview with short hair. They thought I was that type of girl who changes hairstyle every now and then... funny.

What kept me going you might ask? Simply it was my will to live. My breast cancer came along when I was having the time of my life, recovered from my mum's passing and was happy and social, like every 26 years old girl.

I wanted to continue my life just the way it was, and not stop for a second. That is the way I felt. Desperate to win.

I was so lucky to be diagnosed in such an early stage. Early detection and knowing my body well saved me. I kept my close friends and family around me and they followed me and supported me every day. This gave me strength.

Knowledge and the desire to understand what is happening, what I can do to help me get through it, was the key. I was also determined that when I recovered I would help others.

After 5 years, when I got the ALL CLEAR, I went for a reconstruction. I was quite happy with results and I felt I got my femininity back. Strange how these little things, like 250cc, can re-build your confidence as a woman. I gave my wig away to a friend, Shirly who I met while getting treatment at the hospital In Jerusalem. Unfortunately, she passed away 3 years later.

But although my boobs had been reshaped and I had a new lovely sexy cleavage, in my memories, and my soul there is a scar.

I do carry a physical scar on my right breast as well. I am proud of that scar and when I was told by a doctor that he could treat it, I told him it is part of me and to leave it be.

"Keep healthy. Eat well, live well, exercise, meditate, take good care of your body and soul."

In April 2007 against the odds I gave birth to our first baby girl. Huia Maya. In October 2010 I gave birth to our second daughter. Mokoia Ilana. Next January we are due to have our third child.

Is there hope? Of course there is. I pray every day that someone will find a cure for cancer. And that women will not die from this disease any more.

For the memory of my dear friend Shirly Luria and for the memory of others, for the joy of those amazing courageous survivors. I carry this flag of hope.

I am happy to be able to give something of myself to The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. I am asking all women to be aware of their own bodies, the changes they go through. Know your body and cherish it. 1 in 9 women in New Zealand will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Research and early detection, as well as new treatments, enable these women to live.

Keep healthy. Eat well, live well, exercise, meditate, take good care of your body and soul.

I have been training consistently for the past 12 years and it gives me strength and positive energy. It clears my mind and makes me more aware of my body. I totally recommend good nutrition and a weekly exercise routine.

Almost two years ago, I was introduced by my dear partner, Manu, to this amazing sport of Stand Up Paddle boarding. The first time I got on a board I could just feel my body floating on the water, relaxed and calm as I paddled away into the ocean. I stood firm and allowed myself to be carried away. It's that kind of sport where you can just drift away, or race like a warrior. I realized what I could get from it, and I have been paddling ever since. When I want to get away, I can just ride slowly to the distance, and when I want to get the real fitness out of it I paddle hard. The fighter in me gets out.  It's a great feeling. You will love it too.

I am 38 today and ALIVE.

HOPE. COURAGE. LOVE. FAMILY. WISDOM. This is what I carry with me in my heart. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Join Karin in her amazing Paddle For Hope.

Put together your team and enter for a great day of fun on the water on Saturday 15 October at the Wynyard Quarter in the Viaduct Harbour, downtown Auckland.

Get the Entry details here.

Donate to help Karin support the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation