Take on October with passion

Today’s blog is meant to shine a light on all of those who have battled, are battling or are part of team fighting breast cancer. 

I’m sure, or I hope, you know that all across America, October brings awareness to breast cancer!

I am going to highlight my friend Denise Henning, although I know she is simply one of the many ladies and families I know that have demonstrated great courage and, well, flat out passion while conquering this disease.

Denise in this case represents the true thinking behind the idea of “taking on October.” Taking it fully like you wouldn’t believe.

Denise had her first breast cancer diagnosis several years ago. It came, went, came back with a vengeance and repeat. It is difficult to understand the ‘whys’ of this, but one thing is for certain: her boys have a mom that is providing an amazing example of what it looks like to take on something with passion! Her passion = her boys.

Here are three ways Denise shows us how it’s done:

1. Don’t take no for an answer! We have seen Denise take on a diagnosis that wasn’t favorable and get right down to the point where she couldn’t breathe, and yet, she continued strong and found another doctor who would offer a different approach, a different path, and an option that might give her the time she needed while researchers figured out how to conquer this disease. This take no prisoners attitude – being relentless even in great pain –  my friends, this is courage.

   What in your life do you need to ‘second guess’ that first answer or assessment?  Where can you be relentless in pursuit of something greater than yourself?

2. Power through with great faith! I am sure when Denise was taken to church as a young girl, she couldn’t have dreamed of the challenges she’d face in her life. Thankfully in the process, she was given a seed of faith that is a full-blown, giant of faith today. Day after day, Denise exercises her faith muscle. She has given this fight to God, and yet as she is merely human like us all, she has a choice to make each day and she chooses to put on a smile, get dressed, get moving and show up. The truth is, she shows us all power by these daily choices to put her faith first and fight on!
3. Focus on a cause greater than yourself! While many people have a hard time taking their minds off of their pain during these journeys, Denise is focused on saving lives through raising money for AEDS to be placed in Kansas City ballparks via the Tim Henning Memorial Foundation. Denise’s husband passed away three years ago of a heart attack while at ball practice with their boys. As you have seen, Denise is pretty darn special, through all of this she truly wants to leave a legacy for her boys that will outlive both her and Tim. I believe that a life worth living is one where we fully give back.

What can you focus on today that is greater than yourself? There are so many great things to do, from baking for an elderly neighbor or something much larger. I am confident we can all find a way to make a difference this month!

Take on October, my friends! And Denise, thank you for showing us how it’s done. We are forever grateful!