When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, my greatest fear wasn’t chemotherapy or surgery—it was not living long enough to raise our 14-year-old daughter. At just 45 years old, my world tilted. I suddenly felt separated from my healthy friends, who could plan decades into the future, while mine seemed uncertain and fragile. And I’ll admit it: I was angry. I had done everything “right.” I ate well, exercised regularly, never smoked, rarely drank alcohol, performed month

When as a 62-year-old wife, mom, and nana, my only health concern was my diabetes. I loved life, enjoying my grandchildren, traveling with my husband, and enjoying our farm. I had just started my new journey becoming an Independent Paparazzi Consultant. On October 5th, 2018, while I was driving home pulling my trailer full of jewelry, reminiscing over the wonderful day I had, I rubbed my armpit and there was a lump! I got scared. I didn’t tell my husband for a couple of days.

Iowa is often associated with its iconic cornfields and farms, but the state offers much more than that. From rolling hills to towering...