Suicide is often a silent killer, making it critical that we recognize the warning signs and intervene early through accessible mental health services. My family has personally experienced suicide, and we were utterly blindsided. The aftershocks of the tragedy divided our family rather than bringing us together, with family members ceasing communication, long-held resentments, holiday gatherings becoming tense and awkward, and everyone retreating into their own separate worlds. Loved ones grieve differently which often alter the family dynamics. A family who frequently united for birthdays, and holidays now only gather once a year. Though my family has forever changed, I hope our story encourages others to speak up, seek help, and recognize that no one should suffer in silence. In 2003, my uncle, Brian, passed away by suicide during his courageous battle with sinus cancer. While our family devoted every effort to managing his physical condition, his emotional suffering went unnoticed. Had we been informed that depression was a potential side effect of chemotherapy, his story might have had a different ending. My uncle Brian was employed at Northern Illinois University and was a devoted husband and father to two daughters. His eldest daughter was born with Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the bones and muscles. Being the dedicated father, he postponed his education to care for his family. Nevertheless, in 2001, at the age of 50, he proudly earned his degree in electrical engineering technology. Tragically, just two years later, he was diagnosed with sinus cancer. Just like my uncle, I shaped my academic path to fit around family life, especially raising my three kids. When I was diagnosed with stage 2B estrogen positive breast cancer in October 2017, at the age of 45, I knew how important it was to care for both body and mind. Having seen what my uncle went through, I made a conscious effort to stay emotionally grounded during my chemotherapy and radiation treatments. As a survivor I now understand mental isolation. You quickly learn who your real friends are, as difficult times have a way of exposing those who were never truly there for you. As your circle of friends closes in you begin to feel isolated. What I’ve learned is that surviving cancer means more than beating the disease, it means confronting emotional loneliness and learning how to rebuild from within. When I become a dental hygienist, I’ll see countless patients each day, many with stories that go far beyond oral health. If I come in contact with someone who has recently faced a cancer diagnosis, or has a loved one who has, I want to educate and prepare them on how chemotherapy can affect mental health. My goal is to help others understand these risks and possibly prevent a heartbreaking loss. Thank you for giving me this platform to share my journey. I believe that together, through our shared experiences, we can help save lives. My uncle Brian was known for his love of Hawaiian shirts, so as a tribute to him, we keep the tradition alive by wearing them during family get togethers.

Returning to school at the age of 52 to pursue a career in dental hygiene wasn’t part of my original plan, but life has a way of redirecting us toward our true calling. Much of my life has been devoted to raising my three children, managing a home, supporting my marriage, and co-operating a transportation company with my ex-husband. Following the 15 years of marriage, I found myself facing a new chapter as our marriage came to a close. As my divorce unfolded, I took time for deep soul searching to rediscover who I truly was and to envision the future I wanted for myself. As I pieced together who I was beyond the roles of wife and mother, I remembered how much I enjoyed working in a dental office before my marriage and that memory sparked a new sense of direction. Through careful research, I found that dental hygiene complements my core strengths: a commitment to helping others, strong interpersonal communication, and a preference for clean, organized environments. In many ways, this new chapter brings me back to a passion I had long set aside, now reignited with greater clarity and purpose. The path to acceptance into the Dental Hygiene program at Lake Land College in Mattoon, Illinois has been filled with challenges, but my determination never wavered. While settling into my prerequisite coursework, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 2B estrogen-positive breast cancer, altering the course of my plans. My education was put on hold, but I never lost hope that I would overcome the disease and return to pursue my dream of becoming a dental hygienist. I used my experience with breast cancer to inspire others, proving that no matter your age or circumstance, there’s always time to grow and achieve more. My goal is to inspire older adults by sharing my own story, proving that age is no barrier to prioritizing oral health and achieving a smile they can be proud of. With renewed purpose and a clear vision, I am ready to begin this next chapter, turning past struggles into motivation for both myself and those I will serve. The dental hygiene program is highly demanding, which is why it’s difficult to maintain outside employment, careful budgeting and financial support through loans, grants, and scholarships is essential to student success. Financial hardships from medical expenses and post-divorce proceedings have left my resources limited, which is why I am in need of financial assistance. Tuition is not the only financial obstacle; I also have to relocate in order to attend Lake Land College. Assistance with these financial challenges will give me the stability I need to stay focused on my education and future career in dental hygiene.