Fearless.

If someone were to ask me what I have learned from being diagnosed from a brain tumor , the first thing I would say is this. Expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything. I never once imagined I would be told I had an inoperable brain tumor , I also wouldn’t have ever thought I would be told by a neurosurgeon , I MAY have brain cancer , or I MAY have a brain aneurysm, or I DO HAVE A BRAIN TUMOR. I don’t think anyone ever imagines that.
The second thing I would say I have learned is , if you have a dream , dream it and pursue whatever it may be.
I remember laying in the hospital bed having an EKG performed , right after getting the MRI results read to my mom and I for the very first time. The only thing I was thinking is how unreal this had to be. I remember praying and crying , I could feel my heart just tearing because I thought I was going to die. I had no fight in me , at least not a strong enough fight , to beat whatever may had been in my head. I remember , thinking , even though I may had been young. I had HUGE dreams and passions ( I still do ) , and I never once tried to attempt or pursue them! I have learned even if you are sick , as long as you still have breath it is not too late to dream and do a little dream chasing as well. I would rather die , knowing I was pursuing a dream , even I didn’t get as far as I could’ve with out being sick , than die knowing I done nothing.
Having a brain tumor , has taught me you only need three things in your life.
#1 God #2 Family #3 Good music.
Since my very first MRI , the only thing that has ever been there for me , are these three things.

God , is the ONLY reason , I am here today. My family is the ONLY reason , I fight for survival. And , last but not least , Music is the ONLY medicine , that helps me heal from the inside out.
Living with a brain tumor has changed me , but all for the better. I am a stronger and much wiser person than I was before my diagnosis. And I wouldn’t want to change that for the world.
Having a brain tumor has brought more heart ache than a relationship break up ever will.
I have cried many tears behind doors , on my knees out loud to God.
I have even cried at a church chapel located in a hospital.
But never once have I ever given up , you won’t see me give up either.
Living with a brain tumor , has taught me that you get prepared to die. Even if you aren’t , you are prepared because an illness like this you never know what will happen next. You also learn , to stand and become fearless.
And until my fearlessness kills me , I will continue to share my story and spread the awareness , it has stole so much from me already. And , it may continue to but until then , I will stay fearless.

~ Shelbby Smith

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Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.