Meet Debbie Russel Smith

My name is Debbie. I got married in 1987 to my amazing husband, Dave, who proposed to me after two weeks, expressing his dream of moving to America with me. We have two grown daughters who have blessed us with two wonderful grandchildren – my granddaughter is six, and my grandson is one.

I began my nursing career in 1983, and it became my life; the feeling of satisfaction it brought was immense. We moved to America in 2005 with our ten-year-old and twelve-year-old daughters. We arrived with nothing to our name – no jobs, home, vehicles, or bank account – but we had each other.

Soon, we started to settle into our new life. I was fortunate to land a job that was a dream come true for me. I worked my way up to a charge position, building strong relationships with colleagues and doctors.

However, in September 2023, I found myself on the other side as I underwent a lumpectomy for probable stage one breast cancer. This was swiftly followed in January 2024 by severe back pain, revealing that I had developed stage four metastatic breast cancer. My PET scan showed widespread bony metastasis from the top of my skull to my pelvis. Despite this, my immediate concern was when I could return to work and continue caring for others.

Six months later, I am beginning to realize that I must adapt to yet another change. I am setting new goals to keep myself smiling, which includes pursuing my hobbies, spending quality time with family and friends, tending to my garden, and reigniting my passion for essential oils and helping people through their use.”

Debbie’s Reveal