It has been 13 years since I kissed her last breath away. How do I feel. ?
I am ok. Is that wrong ? How dare I. Should I stay in bed all day and refuse to engage? How does that honor her? Sometimes I feel her slipping away. I lose the connection I so desperately want to feel. And then I see a butterfly or I am in the bookstore and the authors name is Emma or I see June 3 as a significant date in a book or article I am reading. Because it is a significant date. So much joy that day. What has changed? My whole being. I know to others I am defined by her death. The before and after. But the scars of her. Of her existence have been imprinted on me since conception. She still remains. Her dna. Her essence still is within me. So I carry on. I experience joy. I experience pain. Sadness. Happiness all of it. We are messy being human. But my girl, my joy. She is still walking this path with me. So how do i feel today ? I feel the passing of time. The settling in of the rest of my life. Carrying her inside and watching the wonder of life unfold. One day at a time. The marking of time is weird. Today marks 13 years. But. What is tomorrow? What was yesterday? They are all the same. I still have to keep on living this life until I join her. So I will. I feel gratitude. That she existed. That I am her mom. Her smile. Her eyes. They are forever imprinted in my mind. So. Keep guiding me my girl. Show me how to appreciate all the world has to offer. Keep me humble. Grateful. Kind. Understanding. There is no room for bitter or regret or hate. There is not enough air because it is filled with so much love. I will always love you my Emma. Soar high and keep watching till I get that big squeeze hug I am missing.
Today i took
A pause.
A minute to breathe.
To slow down to be intentional.
I got my toes painted. I asked for a blue butterfly. With glitter. I know it is small but i feel like i connected a bit. It made me smile. Didn’t see the sunrise due to clouds. But saw the sunset on a day I dread. But today was ok. I am ok. Oh and there was a rainbow. Thanks for being you Emma.
Always grateful.., Emma’s mom. #loveneverdies.

On January 16, 2023, I received a diagnosis that changed everything: Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. What began as a relentless migraine led to a discovery that shook my world. But there was a sliver of hope—I had a specific mutation that made me a candidate for targeted therapy.
For over a year, that therapy gave me time. In March 2024, a routine scan showed a bit of progression, and I underwent 10 radiation sessions on my main lung tumor. I kept going.
In January 2025, I started working with a personal trainer—trying to stay strong, stay present. But pain in my back followed. Then a new headache. Then tests. The cancer had spread to my spinal fluid and attached to my nerve endings. A new, harder chapter began.
I recently had the conversation no one wants to have with their oncologist—the one about dwindling options. But my mindset hasn't changed. I will continue to fight with every ounce of strength I have, for my boys, for my husband, for the life we’ve built together.
Through it all, my family has shown up. My husband is my rock. My kids are my light. My mom and my sisters have ensured that no appointment has been faced alone. Every question has been asked. Every option explored. And my friends—thank you. For the meals, the messages, the check-ins that have carried me through more than you know.
This journey is hard. But I’m still here. Still fighting. Still loving. Still holding onto hope.
For those who want to continue walking this path with me, I’ve been sharing more of my thoughts, updates, and moments of reflection on my blog.  Living with Stage IV lung cancer

I am a wife, step-mom and 37-year-old police Sergeant for the City of Newburyport. My story begins on a quiet winter night in bed, when my dog stepped on my chest, leading me to find A lump that ultimately was determined to be Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I was seen at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. I underwent chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, radiation, reconstruction and oral chemotherapy follow up. My family, friends and community rallied around me throughout treatment. I found Tough Warrior Princesses after looking up local cancer support groups. Despite having people to help me, I desperately wanted to connect with others who were experiencing what I was going through. TWP became my lifeline. Each time I saw a member of this group, I felt lighter. The load that cancer brings became easier to bare. With each event I attended, I found friends, community and love. Simply put, TWP restored part of me I thought I lost. It is my honor to serve on the board with such humble, dedicated and hard-working women. TWP has moved mountains myself and others, I only hope I can return the favor. ​

Cancer and I have an understanding. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. (Yes, I love Kelly Clarkson’s song!). But in reality, it is the truth. Twelve years ago today I became cancer free. My breast cancer diagnosis was scary and I was only 36 and knew no one who had fought this disease.  I met this amazing group of women and have laughed and cried and shared and taken for the past 8 years.
Life is a gift, open it, cherish it, live it. Just when I believed I had won and cancer and I could part our ways, it came knocking again. This time it was my eight year old daughter who had neuroblastoma. That year was the darkest year of my life. Worse than my own diagnosis. Losing a child is unimaginable and soul destroying. Through it all, this group lifted me up, supported me and my family. These woman are my family.
I have an ongoing relationship with Cancer now. This past May my Mom succumbed to stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. My whole world just keeps getting smaller and this group is my lifeline. Currently my best friend is living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. She is my age and I have survived this cancer for 12 years, while she continues to fight for her life. Life is not fair. How do I reconcile that? How do I accept the joy of life when others aren’t as lucky?
I believe I have been given this opportunity to live because I can share optimism and hope and light. I choose to find a way around the obstacles. I choose to create space for learning and love. I choose to help others who have lost the will to help themselves. Thank you Tough Warrior Princesses for always reminding me of who I am.
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Tina Journeay is a founding board member of The Tough Warrior Princesses.  Her light and optimism, despite unspeakable tragedies, is astounding.  She is the true definition of a warrior.  We are so lucky to know her and have her as part of this organization.  

I am approaching my 1 year anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis. I never thought I would hear those words. Me? That can’t be right! I don’t have a family history, there were no signs!!

It changed my life and made me see clearly what is important. What I thought was the worst thing that could happen to me, turned out to be the best thing that happened to me.

I found out who truly were my friends and was surrounded by the TOUGH WARRIOR PRINCESSES, for whom I will be forever grateful for being associated with for the past several years and honored to serve on their Board of Directors. Maybe that was my sign? Maybe I knew subconsciously I would need them one day? What ever it was it gave me strength, it gave me the courage to change my career after 30 years and it gave me hope. I am the happiest I’ve ever been.

Be vigilant ladies and don’t loose sight of regular check ups. Early detection can save your life.
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Most importantly always remember the meaning behind the pretty pink ribbon.