Judy's Story: Still Here. Still Living.

Judy's Story

In 2013, Judy was 63 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. She remembers being told to get her life in order. But Judy had a different thought: “I just didn't feel like that was right for me at that time.” Turns out, Judy had a lot more living to do. More than a decade later, Judy is still here, facing each day with determination, faith and gratitude.

Her journey has included recurrent breast cancer, cancer in her spine and ribs, liver involvement, surgeries, chemotherapy and lengthy hospital stays. Through it all, her husband of 47 years, Jim, has remained by her side. When Judy was at her weakest, Jim cared for her at home. Today, he continues to make the drive with her from Orange Beach to Pensacola for treatment three Mondays a month, turning long chemotherapy days into time spent together.

Judy is funny. Blunt. Faithful. Stubborn (according to her husband). And above all, grateful.

Despite everything she has endured, Judy has found a new perspective on her treatments. “Instead of saying, ‘I've got chemo today,’ I've changed it to, ‘Bless the Lord, I have chemo today.’” She is grateful for her physicians, the advancements in cancer care and every opportunity to continue living the life she loves.

Judy doesn't pretend cancer is easy. She knows better than most how difficult life can be. But she also knows what a gift it is to have another day, another opportunity, and another reason to be grateful. Her advice to others facing difficult circumstances is simple: “Change the recipe. Change your perspective.”

Thirteen years after her first diagnosis, Judy is still here. Still loving. Still laughing. Still living.

Judy refuses to let cancer define her story. She still finds joy in dinners with Jim, opportunities to encourage others and plans for the future. Living near the beach, Judy doesn't believe in a bucket list. Instead, she has a “sand pail list” filled with experiences she still wants to enjoy. And when everything on that list is complete? Her answer is simple: “Make a new list.”