Amy Scoggins
Amy Scoggins has always prided herself on her optimistic outlook on life, and when she was first diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) breast cancer in April 2006, she tackled the disease with the same positive attitude. Upon her diagnosis with DCIS, the most common type of non-invas ive breast cancer, Amy’s doctors recommended a double mastectomy, which she underwent in May 2006. After living without cancer for nearly three years to the day, Amy was re-diagnosed in 2009, and soon began a multitude of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
For Amy, the three surgeries she has endured since her diagnosis have been her biggest challenge in her fight against cancer. However, her upbeat attitude, coupled with the love and support of her husband Jimmy and three sons Brantley, Will, and Colton helped carry Amy through her struggle. “My family is what has kept me going,” explained Amy. “I feel very, very lucky.” She also relied on her close friends, whose love and encouragement was paramount in helping her cope with the disease.
Amy’s garden is a true representation of her attitude: bright and cheerful. She chose to adorn her garden with pink and white pansies, pink tulips, and a pink rose bush, as well as rosemary to symbolize remembrance. It is Amy’s hope that the “power of pink” will inspire women to trust their bodies and also to schedule regular mammograms.
Amy feels there is a reason why she was re-diagnosed, and hopes to inspire others to remain strong and optimistic through her touching story. “Why not live each day and just be positive?” asks Amy. “We can all sit and feel sorry for ourselves, or we can go out there do good things.” Amy, who wholeheartedly believes a positive attitude is the key to a happy life, continues to live that sentiment every day. ”
