The picture on the left was taken December 10, 2016. It was just days after I found a lump above my collarbone, but before I had any inclination that it might be cancer. The picture on the right was taken this past Sunday, January 21, 2018. This was after I beat stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma. It was after I went through an intense 12 chemotherapy treatments. It was after my entire world was put on pause.
When the first picture was taken, I had just moved to Virginia to start a new job. It was a job that I didn’t think I deserved because I was so new to the business. Just by reading that last sentence you can probably tell that I severely lacked confidence. I did my best to fake it, but it wasn’t unusual for me to beat myself up over one bad show for an entire month, or to call my mom crying after receiving some hate mail, or to never wear a dress again because a viewer told me that they hated it (which happens way more often than it should). If I’m being completely honest with myself, I wasn’t really happy. Don’t get me wrong, I was excited about my job, but I was in a new city all by myself and didn’t know anyone. With that said, my life mostly revolved around work.
When the second picture was taken, I had just moved back to Virginia to resume this same job after being out of work for almost 8 months. I now feel more confident than ever and I think that shows in this picture. Oddly enough, I owe my confidence boost mostly to cancer (along with the many self-help books that I read during treatment and that I can’t believe I’m admitting to). Now my attitude is, “if I can beat cancer, I can do anything.” Just in the short time that I’ve been cancer free I was able to send out Warrior Bags to over 30 men and women battling cancer along with another 30 children’s bags that are almost finished. These were sent to the recipients totally free of charge and I have no plans of stopping anytime soon. This was something I had wanted to do for months and kept telling myself it was too hard and I didn’t know how to start. As soon as I learned I beat cancer, I decided to get to work right away and the bags were shipped just a week later. I have some more big goals for myself this year and I’m no longer using “I don’t know how” or “it’s too hard” as an excuse.
Having cancer taught me to never waste a good day. While I was going through treatment, my good days didn’t come around very often so on the rare occasions that I was feeling well I always made sure I had something fun planned. I’m telling you this because we should all be following that rule everyday. Life is short, let’s enjoy it while it lasts!
I’ve also learned to stop caring what people think. I know this isn’t always easy to do, trust me I get it. After going through something as serious as chemo, you start to realize that some things in life just don’t matter anymore. For the most part, I haven’t received many rude comments since moving to Virginia, but on the rare occasion that I get one I’m able to put things in perspective and remember that a mean comment is a reflection of the person who wrote it, not of me.
I also feel a new appreciation for everything. The sky seems a little bluer, the grass is greener, and overall life is just good. I never thought I’d be so happy to go to work. It used to drive me nuts to hear people complain about their jobs because I would’ve done anything to be in their position. I guess it’s true that you never really know what you have until it’s gone. Don’t get me wrong, I still have bad days at work. In fact, Monday was kind of a bad day, but instead of dwelling on it, I’m trying to stay appreciative of the fact that I’m finally able to work again. After I got home from my bad day, I went to the gym to clear my head and decided the next day would be better, and it was!
After reading that stack of self-help books, listening to endless TED talks, and doing some major self-evaluating, I decided that the key to happiness is gratitude. Instead of complaining, I try to say something positive. Using the work example, I try to say, “I GET to work today!” instead of, “I HAVE to work today.” I promise it makes a world of difference.
I also started a new habit. Every night before I go to sleep I write down three things that I’m grateful for. I write something different everyday and never repeat answers. At first this was really easy to do. I said things like my health, my family, my pets and so on. But as the days go by, those obvious things had already been used and I was forced to think of other things that we so commonly take for granted. For example, last night I wrote that I’m grateful to have an oven, grateful for one of my coworkers, and grateful for the internet (lol). They probably seem like silly answers, especially the last one, but these are things that many people throughout the world would consider a luxury. Let me explain. I was able to cook my dinner in the oven while many people had to go without dinner, my amazing coworker forced me to go to the gym and let me vent about my bad day, and I was able to order another set of tote bags for my Warrior Bags project using the internet (which I’m SO excited about and can’t wait to share the new bags. Doing this every night forces me to think about the little things that we take for granted the most. Do you ever stop and think how lucky we are that we have electricity? Or that you have a pair of shoes to wear? Or that you know how to read? These are things that we don’t even give a second thought to, but the more grateful we are for the little things, the more appreciative we are and the less time we spend complaining. Overall, I believe doing this will make you a happier person! I challenge you to try doing this for two weeks. Every day, write down three things that you’re grateful for and never write the same thing twice. I write my three things on a dry erase board on my refrigerator so I see them all the time. It’s pretty eye opening and surprisingly fulfilling.
Let’s start right now. What are three things that you’re grateful for today? Leave a comment below, I’d love to read through them!
sunnyskiesahead.com 
I was very happy to see you back on air last Sunday morning. I used anticipate the beautiful dress you would ware every Sunday morning. Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network. From: Crystal HarperSent: Wednesday, January 24, 2018 6:26 PMTo: misterb17@aol.comReply To: Crystal HarperSubject: [New post] Same wall, same dress, different person
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crystalharper posted: “The picture on the left was taken December 10, 2017. It was just days after I found a lump above my collarbone, but before I had any inclination that it might be cancer. The picture on the right was taken this past Sunday, January 21, 2018. This was after”
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I am glad you’re back, Crystal. There will always be detractors in life. Focus on those who appreciate you. I follow 13 News now because of you. I am grateful for 1-) My wonderful daughter, Madeline 2-) My passion for the written and spoken word and 3-) People who are able to experience positive paradigm shifts.
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Being a fellow cancer sufferer, I’d have to say being able to walk a bit (around 1.5 miles) and ride a bike (yay!). Used to be a runner but that’s all done unfortunately- so yeah, thankful to not be in a hospital bed and have some mobility to enjoy the sun.
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I’m glad you are back at work and presenting the weather. I’ll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers for success in your career and your desire to be an officer in the Navy Reserve.
Don’t ever let some criticism about what you wear on air get to you. It’s flat out rude to do that.
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Crystal, I have followed your blogs. You are an inspiration to many. We were just informed that my mother has Stage 4 Cancer. Unfortunately the doctors have not been able to determine the origin. What we do know is that the cancer is in her lungs,uterus and ovaries. The diagnosis was given the day after Christmas. I am frustrated as it seems that there has been no action on treatment. Her PET Scan is scheduled for the 30th of this month. You look great by the way. I am a faithful viewer of WVEC 13. Welcome Back and God Bless You.
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Please send me an email at warriorbags1@gmail.com and give me your Mom’s full name and address. I would love to send her one of my Warrior Bags!
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Way to go Crystal so proud of you. You are still in my prayers everyday
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Thankful for work, life itself, and inspirational people such as you. When things seem bad, I just think about people like you and what you’ve been through, and what others are still going through. Keep up the awesome work.
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Crystal I can’t believe anyone would or could be rude to you. From the time I came up to you in the “Main” I knew you were someone special. My wife and I so look forward to seeing you doing the weekend weather. I hope you are at 13 for a very long time.
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thankful for the 3 basics in life:food/water,shelter and clothing and I can’t imagine anyone sending you hate mail.It was obvious when you first started on WVEC that you were nervous .I think you have come a long way and enjoy your rather offbeat way of doing the weather.Welcome back and know you have a ton more fans than detractors. Whoever hired you saw a winner and gave you the job.Good luck,Crystal!
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You are an inspiration to me and I’m grateful for the opportunity to know you through your blog and to see you on Channel 13. I remember when you first came to WVEC and how much I enjoyed your ease in front of the camera and the playful way you interact with your co-workers on the set. News is so serious so much of the time and it helps to see smiles and laughter along the way. I’m also grateful for my daughter, Betsy, and my cat, Coco, who brings smiles to my face with her sweet personality.
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I am grateful for the opportunity to work as a medical professional and be able to help people improve their lives……im grateful to spend time with my aging dog every day. And very grateful to be able to share your journey daily….so u can be reminded how lucky my health has been so far…..keep up the work….good day or bad it’s still a day alive with possibilities
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You have always been a dynamic young woman! There will always be Haters that are critical of everyone, these individuals deserve no recognition, no respect and even less thought of why. You are beautiful, smart and deserving, stay strong💕Kathy
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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I am so glad you are back and healthy. Because you are on TV people will comment about clothes, hair, shoes whatever it might be. Just say to yourself you don’t have to like anything about me because I love myself. You are a amazing young lady
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I am thankful for waking up to this cool January day. I am thankful for having steady work to pay my bills. I am thankful for friends, family, and the positive energy and love they send to me.
An extra gift in my life. Having your words to lend positive support as a reminder that cancer did not conquer me. It changed me. It hurt me. Ultimately, I am still me. Thank you for the reminder Crystal.
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Thank you for posting so honestly & openly. Surely this will help many. I had great advice when I was first diagnosed and have tried always to pay that forward. It’s a blessing to be able to share experiences and teachings.
Three things I am grateful for today:
1- Warm clear skies in January
2- A mobile and agile lifestyle unimpeded by illness or aches & pains
3- The sound of freedom flying over Sandbridge skies tonight
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So GOOD to see you back!!
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Kiddo; Used to watch you in Cheyenne before you moved. Grateful the Lord saw fit to heal you and give you a new start on life. Grateful to have lived 65 years and retain my health. And grateful each and every day to see the sun rise and know the past is past and the future awaits. Be good to yourself. You’ve earned it.
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You look gorgeous in both photos!
________________________________
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I am thankful for my my daughter and friends today who were my support , before during and after my cataract surgery. Also for the Doctor ad his staff who were there today and took such good care of me to ensure a successful procedure.
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I did the three things I’m grateful for journal during my husbands’ first Deployment. It’s a great way to gain perspective and clears your head so you can sleep easy. I know it helped me a lot. And on the nights I couldn’t think of anything, I’d go back and read what I’d written to find inspiration .
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Grateful to have more than one outfit to wear.
Grateful that I don’t sleep on the floor.
Grateful that I don’t have to walk to work.
Grateful that I had the opportunity to get up this morning.
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So grateful for sharing your journey with us and you are healed .
Thankful for the love and support of my family, and friends (who are familly)
Thankful for knowing God holds me through my journey .
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I’m thankful to have spent time with my grown kiddos this weekend. I’m thankful I have a dependable car that Carries me to and from Gloucester every day to work and I’m thankful for choices , food in my fridge and heat in cold nights ! And I was thanksuk to follow your journey, it was eye opening … and you were a champ !
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This is so uplifting. I am thankful for my husband of 47 years, my beautiful family and my health!!
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I’ve never heard of you or seen you, and I don’t mean to come across as being coarse. I saw this on Twitter and read it. I don’t know if you have put this down as one of your three daily thankful gifts, but you are truly a gifted writer. You couldn’t be more succinct, yet more honest and inspirational than you were in this post. What a great story, which took courage to write. I would never be ashamed to be in your shoes. I think a higher calling is working through you.
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BTW – you look great – I saw you on TV your first day back!!
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I am grateful for my 8 year old son. He drives me crazy, but he is also my world. I am grateful for my parents continued health as my dad has had some issues ( one of which was prostate cancer, which he was able to have surgically removed with no chemo or radiation needed), and I am grateful that I have a steady job that supports me and my son.
You are an amazing and inspirational woman. We are so happy to have you back in VA.
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Love your attitude of gratitude!
I am thankful for:
1. being able to teach kids every day
2. Having two incredibly smart kids of my own, who amaze me every day
3. My health, after my husband was also diagnosed with cancer last year (he is now cancer free too!)
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I am grateful for my friendship with you.
I am grateful for my friend Casey and her children (I know that counts as more than one, but oh well).
I am grateful for my son Nathan.
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Crystal, I am so happy for you and you making and sending Warrior Bags. That is so awesome! We miss you in Cheyenne, and God Bless You.
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I am grateful for being able to care for my 2 small grandchildren as their mom, my daughter in law , goes thru aggressive chemo.
I am grateful for my church family and my priest!!! Especially my priest.
I am grateful for my job, Be it a good or bad day.
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1. I have grandchildren,
3. A husband that loves me after being married for forty one years!
4. That there are airplanes to fly to see my children and grandchildren.
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I am grateful that my house is paid for, I have a job I love and a wonderful family and three kitties.
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First, I want to say how nice it was to see u doing the weather truly made for a better weekend. Your prospective on things is awesome and for your age you are WAY ahead of the curve. 3 things I’m grateful for Health Family Friends….
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I am thankful for you Crystal. You have inspired me in many ways. I am thankful that my daughter has been able to overcome her disabilities and has become a beautiful , independent and successful woman. And that my son is finally in his dream job When I was younger I was often concerned with how I looked to others. As I got older I learned to let that go and be myself. You have a great future ahead of you. Never be concerned about the nasty comments. They are just jealous.
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So happy that you are back on the air! You are such an inspirational woman. I’m grateful for you, family and friends.
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Crystal, I am grateful for beating stage 3 colorectal cancer and getting through 18 months of chemotherapy and radiation.
I am thankful for my husband. I am thankful for the birds that sing to me outside my patio door every morning.
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Hi Crystal!! My name is Joyce Hurst and I have been following you since you started your career in Norfolk. I am so impressed with you and your âjourneyâ that I would like to ask you to speak to my Medical Coding Chapter. I donât know if you do that sort of thing, but your âjourneyâ would be an inspiration to our members!! We meet in Suffolk at the Bon Secours Harbour View Health Center the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. Our next meeting is Thursday February 15th.
The name of the chapter is the Suffolk Local AAPC Chapter (aka Tricity Professional Coders) I am the current President and it would be an honor if you would consider speaking to us. I would love to hear about Meterology but I think since this is a medical coding meeting, probably about your experience and journey with Hodgkins would be better.
Thanks for your consideration of this! I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully meeting you (and Chloe!!) soon!
Joyce Hurst, CPC
President Suffolk AAPC Local Chapter
Patient Data Coordinator
CHKD
(757)668-7349
(757)668-7209 fx
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Crystal, you look wonderful truly a blessing to see you on air. I am sure love heals and you had a lot of it. I hope my words were encouraging and I am SO happy for you. Positive thinking always. Many Blessings!
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3 Things I’m thankful for today, This BLOG to open my eyes, to also be 2 yrs & 8 months cancer free from Stromal Sarcoma Endometrial Cancer, and my family! Thanks for the inspiration Crystal!
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Crystal, thank you for another of your beautifully written blogs. Thank you for the courage and honesty you’ve shared with all of us throughout your ordeal.
It bothers me when people feel they can say mean things about others while hiding behind their keyboards. Perhaps those critics don’t realize their words can cause real pain or stress to others. I am very happy that you have learned to not give the mean or rude comments a place in your life! I am sorry that you had to deal with that.
I am thankful every day I wake up that I am alive to share another day with my wonderful teenage daughter. My wife passed away 8 years ago and it has been just the 2 of us since then. I’m thankful that I’m blessed with a roof over our heads and the means to pay our bills and put food on the table. I’m thankful for the good health I do have, despite getting disabled years ago. Whenever I’m down about my health situation, I remember that there are others much worse off than myself.
I like your suggestion of writing down 3 things you are thankful for every night. Sometimes you don’t realize how blessed your life is until you lose a part of it. I think of the people that lost all their possessions in the hurricane of Puerto Rico or the wildfires and mudslides in California. Things can change in an instant and people realize all they had taken for granted.
I wish you great health and continued success in your life!
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Crystal, first you look great! Second I can’t believe that people would made bad comments about you! No doubt there are a lot of bitter and jealous people out there, only God knows the deep f their hearts, they deserve our petty and prayers. The three things I am grateful are, my eyes because I can see ( I have glaucoma) my hips because I cam walk. I have doble hip replacements a few years ago. And my bed.
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I’m thankful for being a cancer survivor for 20 years; thankful for family, friends and thankful for living in a beautiful area.
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Crystal, We are so happy you made it through all your treatments and your life is slowly getting back on track. We really admire your attitude and wish more would adopt the mindset you maintain. So far we missed your return to broadcasting so perhaps you could let us know when you will be on the air again. Jack and CarmenSuffolk
Sent from Samsung tablet
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Crystal, I was thrilled last Saturday to see you on Channel 13 News! You are still beautiful inside and out! Keep up the good work!
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1. I’m grateful you’re okay… more than that… a survivor!
2. I’m grateful your wish to go back to your dream job came true!
3. I am grateful you have such wonderful support at home and in Virginia!
God is so good and generous! Praise His Holy name. God loves you, Crystal!!
Me and God have faith in you!! ❤
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Reblogged this on gaillovesgod and commented:
“NEW” Series, #7 Cancer Survivor!
Praise Your Holy and Healing name, our Great Physician! You have made Crystal a cancer survivor! It’s been a long battle, but You blessed her in the fight!
Crystal, I am so happy for you! Me and God love you!!
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Good for you! Welcome to survivorship! (I’m a stage 3 Breast Cancer survivor) I’m thrilled for you! Gail referred me here. I’m in Fredericksburg. 🙂 Again, congratulations!!
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Crystal,You are a remarkable survivor.Not only have you gone through a tough year, but you are now helping other cancer patients with the Warrior Kits.Happy to see you looking well again and back giving weather reports on Channel 13.
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Crystal, you look amazing! I’m so glad you are now a cancer survivor!
3 Things I’m thankful for:
1. my salvation
2. having a wonderful church family
3. having a roof over my head.
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