A year ago today I sat in the hospital having a blood transfusion. I went in for pre-op testing for a minor procedure to stop some excessive bleeding. Turns out I had lost so much blood in a weeks time they wheeled me straight into the ER. The doctors told me that my organs could have shut down - which seemed to scare me after the fact. We knew there was a problem and we were going to take care of it .... God works in mysterious ways and I'm forever grateful that everything worked out the way they did. . Yesterday I received the most amazing promo video for the http://ift.tt/1lSZump photo gallery slated to be on exhibit in January. Here is a still from the promo. The photo shoot was empowering. The amazing photographer Camile @ciao_bella_photos was so easy to work with and she helped me feel beautiful in my own skin. Her objective was to do exactly what it's called - find the heart within the warrior of us survivors. Although I looked to her for direction she asked me what I wanted to see. . We all had a different approach to the project and I'm looking forward to seeing them all. The shoot was six months after the transfusion. I seriously believed I would walk out of my final surgery and move right back into real life. It's been much more challenging than I expected. The health issues that landed me in the hospital are thankfully behind me. . Today I look back ONLY to see how far I've come. Today I rocked out an hour of cardio and weights where last year I couldn't stand without shaking or walk up five steps without feeling like I would pass out. This year hasn't been smooth sailing either but you know me. I never back down from a challenge. 😊. . This promo video (you can find it on my FB or inbox me to see it) solidified my strength and my determination to propel myself forward and the strongest survivor I can be. Just as those who did so before me - the ones that lead the way - who taught me survival is not only possible but can be had on my own terms. F*ckinG AWESOME!! . Thank you Camile and your amazing crew for making this happen and bringing out the warrior in us all. 🎀