Sally Imbrogno, tougher than Rocky!

Sally Imbrogno, a true fighter!

I received the Fighting Pretty package you sent. WOW! What an unexpected surprise! I am not quite sure where to start...

I am Sarah’s aunt and one of the reasons she launched her  "Sparkle My Head Scarves" line (an amazing line of scarves made specifically for women battling cancer because they are comfortable AND beautiful).  I am so very proud of her for taking an empowering approach to paying it forward. One thing I have learned about cancer; it takes enough in its path of destruction but you don't have to let it take your spirit.

I was originally diagnosed with a rare form of Type B cell lymphoblastic/lymphoma. I had a tumor at the base of my neck and went through surgery, chemo and radiation. My oldest son had just received orders to deploy to Afghanistan and my youngest had just started college! As a mother, I was bound and determined this wasn't taking me from my boys. I didn't know until after I was cleared that the survival rate was only 2%. I am not a big believer in statistics because the human spirit doesn't work that way. 

There are miracles every day...

This fall I was given a final clearance and was to released from oncology care this May. I fell on ice in December and was having some lower back issues. After several tests the doctors concluded (much to everyone's surprise) that the cancer was back. This time its a little different in that is in my bone marrow. So, we get to do round #2 it seems.... At least I know where to get some great head scarves this time!

I must tell you the boxing gloves were such a HUGE deal to me. It was a reaffirmation sign that I needed so much!

I was having dinner with my boys one evening and trying to prepare them on how aggressive this cancer is. I wanted them to know that we need to prepare for the worst case scenario. 

My oldest son looked at me and said "Mom, you HAVE to fight!" I planned on it, but I realized how scared they were.  So, a few days later I found some Facebook posts of Rocky Balboa 

saying "My mom hits harder than that" and "It doesn't matter how many times you get knocked down, it matters how many times you get back up." I posted those on his page and said I am "fighting back!"  

The next week I donated my hair to Locks for Love and I wanted to find some boxing gloves to take of picture of them for my profile picture.....I couldn't find any gloves...

The following week I was in the hospital having a really bad day and I turned the TV on.......it was a Rocky marathon! Now you can understand why the gloves were such a big deal to me. It was such a positive reinforcement  for that God heard me and knew I needed a sign so he did it in a big way! I am honored that you would entrust them in my care.

Rest assured I plan to be here to pass them to the next fighter.

Thank you so very much for all the wonderful, thoughtful items and for reminding me that I am a survivor too! Thank you again. You never know how you can touch someone else's life with the smallest gesture. The gloves are proof! 

By Sally Imbrogno, an amazing mom, and a true fighter through and through!