CC Day 14 – Guest Post by Rachael Cornish

On 29 December 2015 I was diagnosed with Stage IV Inoperable Cholangiocarcinoma. A curve ball came winging into my world, and 2016 flew by in a whirlwind of experiences. But throughout it all I can say with hand on heart, I would not wish it any other way. Bizarre as it sounds, having CC has shown me who I really am, allowed me to accept myself and given me a sense of purpose.

The word ‘cancer’ may seem like a death sentence, but it doesn’t have to be. It can take away only so much of you as you let it. And there’s the crux of my Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month message. Never lose sight of the fact that you have a say in how this disease affects you and those around you. Cancer cannot change your soul, it cannot take away your capacity to love and to be loved.

I am Rachael, a devoted mother and proud housewife who defines myself by my family and home – if my kids (ranging from 2 to 17 years old) and husband are happy, then so am I. This disease threatened to destroy all that I cared for. But I will not allow it to succeed. I have a renewed sense of what is important in life, and that this is not just about me and how I cope, but those around me.

My role now is to show my family we’re not a statistic, we can fight this, take back control from CC and take away some of the fear. With our love for each other and the support from family and friends we will continue to fight CC and to learn the lessons it teaches us about ourselves in the process.

Together Team Cornish is a force to be reckoned with!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rachael-Cornish3

Rachael Cornish – always smiling!

Rachael with son Charlie