Amy Dilbeck had the inner strength to transform herself from a lively teenager, enjoying competitive swimming, cheerleading and running for junior class president, to a cancer survivor and advocate.
Who/what contributed to your inner strength?
My faith was and has been the rock of my strength throughout my experience with cancer. I have also been blessed with an incredible family and community that walked with me through my diagnosis and treatment, and the past 10 years.
When in your life was your inner strength particularly tested and how did you deal with the incident?
I think the largest test was the diagnosis of cancer, itself. When you hear those words, everything else seems to just fade away and a seemingly insurmountable mountain is revealed. That moment has really ended up shaping the rest of my life. Once I got over that mountain,
my perception totally changed. I realized that it wasn't really a mountain, but rather a foundation on which all of the other blessings and accomplishments in my life would rest. So, how did I deal with the diagnosis? I guess one day at a time -- learning through the whole
process and focusing on getting what I wanted from life.
What suggestions do you have to help people realize their capabilities?
Take yourself seriously -- think about your future and what you want to get out of life, and go for it. DO something.
Why is it important to focus on inner strength?
I believe that building and gaining inner strength is what life is about. Without it, what are we but vapid and hollow bodies?
What are your next goals and what positive thoughts or activities keep you striving toward your goals?
I will be in law school in August at Pepperdine University and I am excited to see all of the new doors and directions that will be opening over the next years of life!
