Zacobia Ritter
2023 Participant/Breast Cancer Survivor
Marco Island, FL

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis at 37 years old while breastfeeding my then nine month old daughter was absolutely gut wrenching as you can imagine. I was no stranger to the toll and the way cancer affects families, I just didn’t think it would knock on my door so soon. Unfortunately, I lost both my mom and aunt to cancer when I was much younger. I had firsthand experience so I knew everything there was to know – the financial strain, the emotional strain, the physical strain. Well, I thought I knew everything. Anyone who has loss a loved one to cancer thinks of all the horrible things that come with the journey, but as much as I knew, I could never have prepared for all of the beauty that came with our journey. My family and I had the opportunity to experience the most beautiful vacation we’ve ever had with Little Pink Houses of Hope. We met some of the kindest people you could ever meet. They all blessed us with gifts and precious memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. Little Pink Houses of Hope retreats allow you to connect with your family and just be present. This retreat was the most beautiful experience my family has ever had. For the first time, I was able to just show up and be present. Surviving breast cancer is definitely not the journey I would have chosen for my life – who would choose cancer if they had a choice? However, if it didn’t choose me, how would I have connected with all these other amazing rockstar survivors and volunteers who I now get to call my family? Little Pink Houses of Hope did that! You never know where your journey will take you or who you’ll meet along the way. My family will never forget how our breast cancer journey lead us to Little Pink Houses of Hope and Marco Island, FL! Thank you for all of the Beauty and Love Little Pink Houses of Hope!