This article explores various personal journeys, highlighting resilience, determination, and the importance of health and well-being. From battling breast cancer to overcoming weight struggles and finding joy in creative pursuits, these stories offer inspiration and valuable lessons.
Facing Breast Cancer with Hope and Proactivity
In a deeply personal account, a project manager and social media team member at Fat Quarter Shop shares her recent breast cancer diagnosis. This individual, actively involved in planning the company's Breast Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser, emphasizes the importance of early detection.
The diagnosis came as a surprise, as she was relatively young, healthy, and without a family history of breast cancer. A clear mammogram followed by an ultrasound revealing "concerning spots" led to the discovery. She highlights that dense breast tissue can increase cancer risk and make detection via mammogram more challenging, comparing it to "searching for a snowball in a snowstorm."
Thanks to early detection through the life-saving ultrasound, her prognosis is very good. She is now undergoing a solid treatment plan developed by her team of oncology doctors and is optimistic about her journey to better health. She hopes that by sharing her experience, she can encourage others to be proactive in detecting cancer when it's most treatable.
The article also mentions a new FDA regulation aimed at improving the reporting and oversight of dense breast screening for mammography providers, a development explored by Katie Couric with Dr. Name.
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Fat Quarter Shop is raising funds for the NBCF (National Breast Cancer Foundation) to provide help and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer.
Gastric Sleeve Success: A Life Transformed
Lori, at age 49, shares her powerful weight loss story following gastric sleeve surgery performed by Dr. Mario Almanza on December 8th, 2016. As of November 13th, 2017, just 11 months post-surgery, Lori had lost 75 pounds and transformed from a size 16-18 to a size 6-4.
Lori struggled with her weight for 20 years, trying every diet imaginable. She recounts the "yo-yo" effect of losing weight only to gain it back and more, despite being active and even running marathons. Her life revolved around dieting and searching for the "one" diet and exercise plan that would work.
Initially weighing 215 lbs, Lori and her husband considered the gastric sleeve procedure, but her insurance wouldn't cover it. She then discovered The Weight Loss Agents, whose price was the lowest she found, initially causing some hesitation. She spent days reading heartfelt testimonials and watching YouTube videos of people whose lives had been changed by the surgery.
Lori states that calling The Weight Loss Agents was the best decision she ever made, giving her life back, and she can't thank them enough.
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Kim's Journey: From Body Positivity to Health-Driven Weight Loss
Kim Winnegge's story presents a unique perspective on weight loss, intertwining body positivity with health concerns. Kim, who had been heavier for as long as she could remember, found support and empowerment in online body-positive communities like Fatshionista. These groups helped her feel comfortable in her skin at any size and empowered her to express herself authentically.
Kim recalls having to sit on the floor because she couldn't fit into chairs designed for women in the 1950s. Despite embracing body positivity, a frightening doctor's visit prompted her to prioritize her health. She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and put on blood pressure medication at the age of 28.
Kim initially lost 35 pounds through spinning classes, finding a supportive community that motivated her. In January, following doctors' recommendations, she underwent gastric bypass surgery. She emphasizes that weight-loss surgery is not an easy fix and requires careful attention to portion sizes and meal planning, which she is committed to.
As Kim lost weight, she grappled with how it would affect her activism and ideals. She found herself explaining why she was now 115 pounds lighter. Kim now uses her experience as a licensed social worker to counsel patients struggling with body dysmorphia and eating disorders. She is now diabetes-free and off all medication.
A Quilter's Triumph: From Scraps to a Cherished Creation
This story highlights the joy and satisfaction of completing a long-term creative project. The author expresses gratitude to Kate of Tall Tales From Chiconia for inspiring her to work on a quilt as part of the monthly ScrapHappy online group. The quilt blocks were made entirely of fabric scraps, many from other quilters.
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The quilt project began at a quilt retreat in 2017, inspired by friends working on blocks from Lori Holt’s book, Farm Girl Vintage. Though not drawn to the "farm girl" aesthetic, the author was captivated by the fun and excitement her friends were experiencing.
After eight years, the finished quilt measures approximately 96 by 97 inches. The author shares a humorous anecdote about using a long board and woodworking clamps to photograph the unwieldy quilt.
Kimberly's Fun Facts and Personal Reflections
Kimberly shares a series of fun facts to connect with her audience. These facts offer insights into her personality, interests, and background.
She reveals that she has four children, loves crafting, is a CPA, and has a fascination with criminal research. Other fun facts include her love for a particular nail polish color since 1992, her affinity for Chick-fil-A, and her fondness for 80s rap music.
Kimberly also shares a touching memory of her father, who passed away when she was pregnant. She credits him as her biggest supporter and acknowledges that Fat Quarter Shop would not exist without his encouragement and belief in her.
Embracing Creativity and Finding Joy in the Studio
This section offers a glimpse into a creative workspace, highlighting the joy of crafting and utilizing every available space. The author describes her studio, including her chair for applique, custom-made storage solutions, and a display of fabrics and patterns.
The description conveys a sense of warmth, inspiration, and the personal touch that makes a creative space unique.