Cindy Mellinger is known as the networking queen, as well as the Marketing and Coordination Relations Coordinator for Blue Ridge. Cindy is celebrating her 21st anniversary of being Cancer free.
During Cindy’s 1- year, second cancer journey (before her transplant), Cindy had very aggressive chemo from August 2020-September 2021, and needing over 100 units of blood and platelets. She shares that “Blood truly is the gift of life”. Cindy did some promotions for the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank, thanking people for donating blood to the community, and asking for others to continue to donate blood in their communities and help save lives. Cindy shared she literally could feel the life pour back into her body, as she was receiving it. It is with much gratitude she shares her message of hope.
Cindy Mellinger shares her poem called “HOPE”:
HOPE by Cindy Mellinger
“You have cancer” they told me on that devastating day.
Instantly, my hopes and plans for a future all went away.
Like a vice… fear, grief and pain gripped my heart
as a new journey lay before me, one on which I was forced to embark.
This menacing mountain stood before me … so vast, so tall.
Looking up, I felt so inadequate so weary and small.
Afraid to climb lest I stumble and fall
I fell on my knees and to God I did call.
His answer radiated within the very depths of my soul.
And I knew in time his grace, mercy and love I would extol.
I imagined myself soaring like an eagle uplifted by gentle winds
and felt the currents of love and encouragement from family and friends.
Through tears, struggles, prayers, faith and hope
friends and family did tenderly lift me and helped me to cope.
God gave me the strength and courage to fight on.
Through his infinite mercy and modern medicine, the victory was won.
You have raised money, selflessly walked and relayed
Because of YOU … research, education and treatment was NOT delayed.
My cancer, diagnosis, struggles and fears
could have easily ended in heartbreak, death and tears.
Instead I am grateful, blessed and privileged too
To share my story of hope and inspiration with you.
Life after Cancer is Never the same.
But mine truly is richer and to that I proclaim.
Live life with purpose these words I convey
For it is a promise… the gift of today.
I am happier now than I ever thought I could be
And the day Cancer dies…. we all will be FREE.
~ Cindy Mellinger ~