I know that this is a repeat for many of you. But for others, the mystery remains. Why do I have a moose tattoo on my back? So here is the story…

I was 27 years old and in my first year of marriage when the diagnosis of stage 4b Lymphoma came. By the time it was known, I was bedridden, weighing in at a meager 107 pounds, with death knocking on the door. After 7 months of intensive chemo and high dose steroids, I went into remission. But the journey was not complete. I began dealing with the aftermath of all the drugs that had saved my life but ravaged my body in  ways that  the cancer had not. But I was hopeful; confident that full recovery was certain in time.

About a year later, a mysterious hip pain developed. Another diagnosis soon followed. Once again, I began treatment. The cancer and the treatments combined to severely erode the bone structure of my left hip, leaving me with a fracture, severe pain and on crutches with very limited activity. But overall, things seemed easy compared to the first diagnosis. Remission came quickly and once again, recovery ensued.

It was a short 6 months later, on my birthday, that I developed severe abdominal pain; pain that was paralyzing; pain that came in unannounced and violent waves. A sip of water would cause convulsive episodes and vomiting. It became nearly impossible to eat or drink without experiencing a crippling episode. Again, my weight plummeted and within a month I was bedridden. A third diagnosis was made and this time, survival was unlikely. Pain management was the best I could hope for.

The pain however was too severe to be “managed”. And with no remaining sense of hope for recovery I refused further chemo treatments. I simply gave up; decided that I was done; that life could not be lived that way. I decided it was time to surrender. It was time to accept death.

Time was very short. Everyday, I could see and feel the rapid progression of the disease and the certainty of death. But there were a few small dreams I wanted to accomplish. One seemed rather easy given the fact that we lived in Breckenridge Colorado.I wanted to see a moose in its natural habitat. My Oncologist warned me that even a small bug bite could kill me, but I forged ahead on my journey to Rocky Mountain National Park. After a grueling day of hiking and searching for moose, I began a disappointed departure from the park. It was then, that my dream became reality. I soon found myself standing before three large, mature bull moose. There was no fear by moose or man….just a silent, surreal peace. One bull laid down mere feet away.

In that moment, I felt what I believe to be the presence of God. And I heard, in what was to me an audible voice, “Choose Life. I have Life for you. Choose Life.” I knew that I had the opportunity to live. I also had the opportunity to die. I chose life. The next day, I began chemo with the understanding that remission was medically unlikely if not impossible. But just a few months later, I miraculously, but not surprisingly, went into remission.

At that point my oncologist insisted we seize the opportunity and undergo an immediate and complete bone marrow transplant (almost a death sentence itself at that time). I refused and believed for another answer. That is when, after much prayer, that in a meeting with a client, I discovered nutrition. I stepped out in faith, stopped all treatments and made radical changes to my nutritional strategy. Clean, whole foods became my treatment. That was nearly 13 years ago! I have not seen an Oncologist since.

It took nearly 10 years to fully heal and recover from all that had ravaged my body. But now, at 43, I am in the best health of my life. I am now a personal trainer, a nutritional coach and a wellness enthusiast with a passion to see others discover the great beauty and gift of our provision for health and wellness.

To this day, I have a connection with moose. Until this year, I have been blessed to spend at least part of my year where they visit the property, raise their young and allow me the joy of their presence.

I am blessed! And because God used those moose to remind me that there was Life, and because God fulfilled the promise that I could have Life, because God was faithful to reveal to me the truth of provision for health, I have dedicated my back as a memorial, and testament.

That is my story; my testimony!