Annika’s Story

My name is Annika Olivo. I am the wife to the wonderful, Kalin, and mommy to the most precious, Walter. I am an elementary school counselor in Mankato and love travel, being creative and spending time with my family. And, I’d like to believe that the fact that I am living with breast cancer is the least interesting thing about me. 😊 But, I also know most 37 year olds don’t live with breast cancer like I do.

I first heard the words “you have cancer” in December 2021 after finding a suspicious lump while breastfeeding my four month old. Those words simultaneously changed everything and nothing at all. I have been living with breast cancer since. The past three years have included periods of chemo, radiation and surgeries (and periods of remission)! As anyone who has experienced cancer can attest, it’s been full of physical and emotional difficulties and lots of grief. Cancer seems to always bring loss of some kind.

Instead of detailing those difficulties, I’d rather share several things have stuck out to me in my experience with cancer:

1. You have to advocate for your own health. I was persistent to have my suspicious lump checked out until someone really listened to me. And, while I have been fortunate to have the best medical team, I am always the person who cares most about my well being. Although you never think you’ll get cancer in your thirties, some of us do. If in doubt, check things out!
2. Life (and a happy life) is possible after a cancer diagnosis. I didn’t know that was possible when I first heard that I had cancer. But some of the happiest moments of my life have taken place since December 2021. I once heard that it’s impossible for your brain to feel anxiety or anger when you are feeling grateful. I have so much more appreciation for life and do my best to soak in all life’s moments, especially the mundane ones where life feels “normal”.
3. Love wins. No matter how scary cancer is (and it is), the love I have for my people and their love for me is bigger. ❤️
I am humbled to be nominated for a My Happy Place remodel. Our home is such a special place to us, and I can’t wait to have a new space for me and my boys to make memories!

I am humbled to be nominated for a My Happy Place remodel. Our home is such a special place to us, and I can’t wait to have a new space for me and my boys to make memories!