A survivor's purpose

I am a recent subscriber to your magazine, and now wonder why I waited so long when there are so many topics that I relate to and appreciate! I have lived all my adult life as a person of facial difference: Twenty-seven years ago, at the age of 17, I was diagnosed with a rare malignant facial tumor. My survival was miraculous, but challenges remained to contend with. The appearance of my face changed forever from tissue and bone loss, reconstructive surgeries, and the removal of part of my jaw. There was loss of sight and hearing, and permanent hair loss.

Could having a sense of purpose mean the difference between self-esteem and lack of confidence? Of course! Purpose and drive truly govern how we function and react; they elevated me from despair when I was uncertain if my pain would ever diminish. It is the positive light in which I see myself that has given me the ability to live happily and with acceptance. My drive and perspective are what I want to share in order to give hope to others. (And those with perfectly wonderful features might rethink the reasons why they feel the need to tweak their natural God-given beauty.) There's no reason for anyone to regard himself as "ugly" when there is so much else to look forward to and be happy for.

--Judy Ryan

Monrovia, Calif.

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