THE BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY

July 9, 2016

Ford Ampthitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk  

 In May 2016 I was diagnosed with a low grade cancer that grew more complicated leading to a mastectomy, on July 21st of the same year.  

Two weeks before my surgery I went to see Maxwell in concert. Since May, I had been seeing doctors at least 3x a week. I was mentally exhausted. To lift my spirits I planned a nice night out with one of my besties. She was simultaneously dealing with a traumatic experience. Our hospital journeys were parallel and we needed a break. We’re both fans of Maxwell and he was the chill vibe we needed in the midst of so much chaos. 

He performed at the Amphitheater at Coney Island, right by the water, with a perfect breeze.  His voice captured all of the pain and beauty of my journey. It was the first time my body didn’t seem stressed and I wasn’t thinking about cancer.  Instead I was finally able to relax. I was able to cry, be thankful, be scared, be myself, feel beautiful and let go. I was thankful for my doctors, my family and friends. I was able to sit in a place of gratitude and feel blessed. 

For me. Music heals.