Today is Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Awareness Day. As most of you know, I was diagnosed with this very aggressive breast cancer at only 41 years old. TNBC is a very aggressive form of breast cancer that has a higher recurrence rate than other subtypes of breast cancer. Recurrence normally happens within the first 3-5 years after diagnosis and most of the time it recurs metastatically in the brain or lungs at which point it’s a much lower survival rate. It mainly affects young women under the age of 40. I feel like every time I turnaround, there is another beautiful lady getting diagnosed with breast cancer...it's a very scary thing. It's more important now than ever to make sure you are doing your monthly self-breast exams. I remember the evening like it was yesterday when I felt a small pea size lump on my left breast. June 14, 2023, just 6 months after having my very first mammogram, which didn't detect anything. Cancer does NOT discriminate. It does not matter how young or healthy you are.
Last year, I had the privilege of speaking at the St. Croix County Relay for Life event...wow, what an experience and honor. Today, I continue to share my story on how cancer has changed me. I don't ever wish cancer on anyone, but it's taught me a lot about myself, my strength and my purpose in life. Below is my speech that I gave that opening evening.
If you are fighting the fight, I hope this will give you inspiration to keep fighting. If you are young and healthy, I hope this pushes you to do those self-breast exams and mammograms. I hope that reading this will also give you a different outlook on life.....life truly can change in the blink of an eye, so live for TODAY because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
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My name is Lindsey Scribner, and I stand before you as a warrior in pink, a badge I wear with both pride and humility. I am a survivor of Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that presented one of the most significant challenges of my life.
My journey began on a seemingly ordinary day, when a small lump, discovered by my husband, led to a diagnosis that would change everything. It was July 18, 2023, when I received the horrible call and hearing the nurse say, "You have breast cancer." a date etched in my memory, the day my battle began.
The road was tough, marked by 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and a full hysterectomy. But it was also paved with incredible support from family, friends, and even strangers. Their love and encouragement became my armor, shielding me from despair and arming me with hope.
As I navigated through the storm, I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness but a profound strength. Sharing my story on social media, I found comfort in the shared experiences of others and discovered a community that lifted me up when I needed it most.
Throughout my journey, I leaned into my faith and took this as a second chance at life. Being diagnosed with breast cancer brought a profound realization of the preciousness of life. It's a moment that turned my perspective on its head, making every day and every experience more meaningful. I now cherish the small moments, prioritizing important relationships, and live more intentionally.
This is what living is all about! Life is not about the status of the job you have; the material things you have, the size of house you live in, or the kind of vehicle you drive. It's about how you live it. It's about the spontaneous dance breaks, the uncontrollable laughter, and the smiles we share with strangers.
These acts of joy uplift our spirits and remind us of the beauty that surrounds us. They teach us that even in our darkest times, there is light to be found, and that light is worth fighting for.
See…..when I received the call saying I had breast cancer, my first reaction was, “I have the 3M Open next week.” Can we push my consultation out?? My job came before me fighting for my life! I had it all wrong…….
Fast forward 10 months, and now my focus is on me, my family, my relationships that have deepened, and the daily experiences that now hold more joy. It truly is the simple things in life. We need a daily reminder to not take life too seriously and to cherish every moment. Whether it's through spontaneous dance breaks in your living room, sharing a laugh with friends, or simply smiling at a stranger, these acts of joy can uplift your spirits and those around you.
Remember, it's these moments of pure joy that often make life worth living. So go ahead, dance like nobody's watching, and laugh until your sides hurt—it's good for the soul.
As my good friend Michelle Eral would say, “Love every moment”. Michelle lost her battle with breast cancer on November 28th of 2023. I met Michelle shortly before that through my diagnosis. I was in awe with how she approached her diagnosis….she was at peace and she said, “I just changed what I was dreaming about.” I learned so much from Michelle in the short time that I knew her. She was a true pink warrior and lived life to its fullest. Her motto, “Love every Moment”.
So let us hold onto love, laughter, and the precious moments that make life worth living. Let us honor those we've lost by living fully, with hearts wide open, embracing every second we're given. Because in the end, it's not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years."
God has a plan for each one of us and I found my path and purpose through the challenges he put me through. My faith grew stronger each day, helping me navigate the 'why me?' and I leaned into the incredible strength of the human spirit.
Tonight, as we gather for Relay for Life, we are united by a common thread—our determination to fight back against cancer. We walk the track with purpose, each step a testament to our resilience and a tribute to those we've lost.
Let us celebrate the strides we've made in cancer research, honor the survivors among us, and remember those who fought bravely. Our collective efforts in events like these bring us closer to a future where no one has to face the fear and uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
In closing, I want to leave you with this thought: Hope is a powerful force, one that cancer cannot take away. It lives in every survivor, every caregiver, and every volunteer. Together, we are unstoppable. Together, we will find a cure.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story. Let's continue to fight today for a cancer-free tomorrow.
God Bless! <3
Lindsey Scribner
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As I sit here today writing this, I can't help but to reflect on where my cancer journey has taken me since July 18, 2023, when I found out the horrible news. Throughout my 16 rounds of chemo, I was able to connect with so many friends and family who are near and dear to my heart. My family & close friends put on an amazing benefit where so many people came to show their support. I started a new job as an Event Planner at Solventum (3M's healthcare business that spun off into its own company) on March 1, 2024, which has been an amazing transition into the healthcare space....it seemed fitting to make the move considering everything that I was going through. I took a leap of faith and opened up this amazing women's clothing boutique with my sister Lori. This truly has been an amazing experience and a way for me to spread my love into my community. I truly believe that every woman is beautiful in their own way, and we all need to find the confidence and invest in ourselves. When you feel good, you do good is my mentality, and EVERY SINGLE PERSON brings something different to the table. We are all made to do great things. The Pearl is my way of connecting with every single person that comes through our doors. Spreading kindness, approaching life with a smile, and it's given me the platform to spread my story to others. I am beyond grateful. Keep smiling and telling your story. If we all listen and show empathy towards one another, just think how beautiful our world can be. GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD! <3
