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“the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

awhile back, photos by jenna leigh did a giveaway. a free session for someone who was chasing their dreams and changing lives. eleven women shared their stories and fans voted for one winner… the beautiful meghan tierney won that session and we got to spend our saturday morning up in the midwest capturing her and her future hubby matt along the shores of lake superior. i am beyond excited for their wedding this summer… seriously, they are gorgeous. read meghan’s story below… 

I am chasing dreams. They are uncertain, but they are full of hope, I am full of trust, and I am chasing.

The past four years have completely changed my life. I graduated from college in 2007 with big plans for my future. I had the usual goals of starting a career, a family, traveling, etc. However, I didn’t have much time to get started on that checklist, because a few months later, I was diagnosed with cancer.

Fighting stage III colorectal cancer became my new goal. My checklist changed to include radiation and chemotherapy sessions, medication regimens, therapy, surgery, and learning to live with the permanent colostomy that was my only hope for a cure. The old dreams died, and the next year of my life consisted of just trying to make it from one appointment to the next. It was an extremely challenging time, but I was blessed with an incredible support system of family and friends who were constantly offering love and care.

I completed my treatment in November 2008, and my semi-annual scans show that I am still cancer-free. I experienced an overwhelming number of losses due to my cancer, but I have also experienced gains, and I learned an incredible amount about who I am and what I truly desire from this life. Upon completion of treatment, I found myself asking, “Where do I go from here?” My answer developed a new dream: to embrace love and pursue healing and wholeness in all areas of my life.

This dream has encouraged me to take risks and push myself out of my comfort zone. I recognized that my experiences as a patient would give me something unique to offer in the field of health care, and I decided to pursue a master’s degree in nursing. I hope to graduate this fall and begin to give back and use my experiences for the benefit of others. I have also become involved with various organizations such as the Colon Club and First Descents which promote awareness of cancer in young adults and provide support for survivors. These opportunities, along with the continued support from my loved ones, have provided a sense of community, reassurance, acceptance, hope, empowerment, understanding, growth, and healing in many areas of my life.

I have also worked to regain my physical strength over the past year or so. I have been a runner for most of my life, and am finally at the point where I can train again. I have had success in two 5K races this year, and I am signed up for a half marathon in August! This is another area that brings wholeness to my life; it offers relaxation, connection with nature, and it helps me to escape from the demands of every-day life and spend time being thankful for everything that I have been given.

Most importantly, my experiences over the past few years have shown me the true importance of love, and I am working to show love to all those I encounter, especially in my close relationships. Everyone needs love and connection; that’s what we’re here for. That is where happiness is found and shared. We face struggles every day, and shared faith, hope, and love are there to pull us through. My family, friends, and sweetheart are amazing individuals, and I am so blessed to have them in my life.

I don’t know where I will end up after graduation or where my dreams will lead me, but I am convinced that they are good dreams. I am open-minded, open-hearted, and I am trusting that I will end up where I am supposed to be.

The snapshot of my life at this point is very different from what would have been seen a few years back. I envision photos that capture the strength and love that have gotten me to where I am today and the happiness that is so appreciated at this moment in time!