Renee's Story

It was a beautiful day in August when with my husband and friend, I received the very unexpected diagnosis, "You have Cancer." Once over the initial shock, and determined to "keep on doing what I do," with the love and support of God, family and friends, I faced the many surgeries and treatments that were to be my future. I was steadfast in having a positive attitude and not allowing the disease to rule my life and all the while planning on keeping my spurs with reach.

My second love is horses, my first love and best friend, husband Wayne would argue that, guaranteed! My horses and friends proved to be a huge part of my cure. A good friend and co-rider helped me mount my loyal and patient mare, Shadow. We laughed at my awkwardness and how my surgeon and my Mom would shudder at my antics.

Two weeks after my surgery, I received the results. I was Stage III. I was in for a fight. My surgeon cried. I did not. I just resolved myself to getting better and said, "Let's do it." As with many women, I had numerous complications, several stays at the hospital, added surgeries, and more complications. I always tried to find the humor in my journey, and always, always there were my friends helping me, my sister flying out from Wisconsin to shave my head, my husband telling me telling me I was beautiful bald, and soothingly, those velvety, sweet smelling noses of all my horses allowing me to climb unsteadily onto their backs and taking me for most needed strolls.

I'll never be able to repay my family and friends for holding my hand, and my horses for the confidence they gave me.

Your friend,

Renee' Coble