Sitting in the hospital chair nervously looking around and hoping it's not that bad. But then the doctor walked in the room, later I found out I was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. I was terrified. Who knows how much time I have left on this Earth or will I get better. I was worried and did not know what to do but I can't let these negative thoughts take over me. All I knew is that with my time left on this Earth is unknown but I had to keep pushing forward and be determined to succeed through my business and career. A year later I had an interview at the CFDA “Fashion Talks” with executive director Fern Mallis. At this event I spoke about me being diagnosed with cancer and said “Yes, I had cancer. Right now, I am totally clear. The only realities in life are that you are born and that you die. We always think we are going to live forever. The dying aspect we never accept. The one thing about having this kind of warning is how you appreciate every single day of your life.”

During my battle with cancer, I was able to accomplish many things I am very proud of. Months after I was diagnosed with cancer I was able to design Tortuga Bay, a boutique hotel at Puntacana Resort and Club.This hotel is part of the luxury hotel collection, and is one of the leading hotels of the world. Just knowing that I was able to design one of the best hotels in the world made me happy. I was able to design many houses near the beach which I'm extremely proud of how they turned out. Since I was designing it I wanted it to embody a relaxing lifestyle. One of the houses I created in particular was surrounded by beautiful palm trees, the house was also in front of a beach, the house was colored white and a very light yellow color, and I made it two floors and included a good sized balcony to watch the beautiful view of the ocean. A year later in 2007, I was able to receive the Designer Of The Year Award and I also received this same award in 2000. I won this award in 2000 but I didn’t think I was going to win again but when they called my name up on that stage in 2007; the crowd cheering and yelling my name, I can't even describe how I felt all I can say it i'm so grateful for everything that I was able to accomplish, the people I met that helped me along the way, and all the opportunities given to me. Years later my company was a success, It grew by 50 percent and $150 in sales, I redid my whole spring collection, I received an honorary degree from Hamilton College, and I was honored by the United States Postal Service with an eleven stamp series. I was also able to make my very first wedding dress collection which the Runway To Green fashion show gave me an amazing opportunity to feature my wedding dress collection as the closing. I had multiple of my creations presented in fashion shows but this one was my first ever wedding dress collection to be shown to the world. Sitting in the audience I watch as the models go down the runway. Just seeing my creations being worn by other people is one of the best feelings to me. “Wow” I thought, this was my very first wedding dress collection and it was a major success. Even though I was diagnosed with cancer 8 years ago that did not stop me from pushing forward, I'm very thankful to everyone who helped me along my journey, the opportunities I was given, my fans always encouraging me to keep moving forward, and of course my family who was always there by my side since day one. Since the day I was diagnosed with cancer I'm very proud of myself for not letting that negative thought get to me. But there were times I was stressed out and terrified of what was going to happen next. But I'm again thankful for everything, everyone, and the people that I loved that were supporting me through my highs and lows. They gave me the motivation to keep doing what I loved the most. I appreciated every hour and day that I was alive to see my loved ones and to continue following my dreams.