Anonymous

She is a fighter. She has undeniable strength and remarkable courage. Her humour is shocking, her spirit is vivacious and her energy is vibrant. She is deeply kind, caring and compassionate.

Though she’s fought, survived and overcome she is still vulnerable. She has asked to remain anonymous to protect her future from the dark parts of her past.

This is her story.

P: Please introduce yourself!

A: I am the eldest of three children, born to the best parents I could ever have hoped for. I am a big sister to the absolutely most perfect sister for me! I am Mum to wonderful children, Grandma to beloved grandchildren, Aunt to the best nieces I could wish for, mother-in-law to great people and sister-in-law to the best brother-in-law around.

I am blessed with all this fantastic family and also fortunate enough to be a friend to many terrific people.

P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?

A: Yikes, I'm still blessed to be living a phenomenal life! Definitely not the one I expected. I expected to happily grow old with the father of my children in a healthy, strong, and (relatively) fit body. Instead I am no longer a wife but I am happily living out most of my other roles.

I'm thankful to have survived some intense health challenges thanks to ground breaking medical care and the direct involvement of my sister (stem cell donor), my parents and recently, my kids. Doctors and nurses are some more of the wonderful people who have an ongoing positive impact on my life.

I've been blessed to have lived in Denmark for a full year as a Rotary international exchange student. The people I met during that year, including while traveling on behalf of Rotary, are still close friends.

Happily travel has always been an intrinsic part of my life. One I've been able to share with my family.

Family and friends really make my life worth living.

A: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?

A: Truly two woman, directly related, my Mum and my Mum's Mum - my Grandma. They lived life to the fullest every day. They always chose to see the positive, the best in people and events. Everything was an opportunity, an adventure.

It's through their eyes that I was brought up to approach my life. I was encouraged to make memories, to travel, to get to know and appreciate people, to listen, to believe and have faith, to value education, learn something new every day, to take reasonable chances, make wise choices and enjoy every day.

Thanks to my parents and grandparents, I grew up always feeling unconditional love and support. That makes for a very strong and solid foundation.

It makes many adventures possible.

I would thank them with all my heart if I could now.

P: What are your hopes for the next generation of women?

A: I hope that the next generation will believe in themselves. Be open to all opportunities. I hope that they are always kind and treat others with respect.