Renee Annemarie: A Story of Pain & Perseverance
What makes you a Beautiful Disaster?
I struggled with self-confidence my whole life, never thinking I was good enough. But I learned that not everyone is perfect. Learning to love myself has been a struggle. As I have experienced life's challenges, I have grown in many ways, accepting the person and strong woman I am. I have become a diamond in the rough and learned how to shine from the inside out.
Why do you Identify with the Beautiful Disaster Brand?
It is a brand that shows that you can go through battles in life and still come out a fighter. The positive quotes and uplifting vibes bring women together who need that spirit to lift them up when life is just a disaster.
Tell us your Beautiful Disaster story.
The last four years have been very hard. I was given many battles to fight. I am an only child, and my dad got sick. My mom asked me to please help her. I moved home and took care of my dad until the very end of his life. I was a proud daughter of a Vietnam Veteran. My dad was always the positive one. He would always say, "Fight for what’s right in life. Never give up."
I lost my dad on October 16, 2021. Two hours later, on the same day, I lost my Godfather—all on Sweetest Day. I had to become stronger for my mom, who was now falling apart. Loss is a very difficult thing. She lost her husband and brother at once. I now had to be a warrior to keep her strong and prevent her from giving up. I made a promise to her that I would stay in her life and step in to take over all she needed from me. Without hesitation, I put my life on hold again.
It was hard at first, dealing with all the financial issues and depression. But I pushed through, and we became a mother-daughter team. No matter what problems came up, we had each other’s backs.
Just when things were looking better, I was blindsided in October of 2024. I had been having some health issues and, as always, wasn't thinking of myself. I kept telling my mom, "I will be okay." But then I was rushed to the hospital and found out I had endometrial cancer and needed surgery. It just happened to be on October 16, 2024—the anniversary of my dad’s and Godfather’s passing. I figured that was my sign: Be strong, you got this, chick, I told myself.
I underwent surgery and radiation and got back on my feet to be my mom’s warrior again. I am never giving up on these battles that life has thrown at me.
What happened for you to turn it around?
I have accepted that you have only one life on earth. There are many happy memories to make and time to celebrate—just being alive and healthy. I learned to love myself. I have seen struggles in other people around me, and making it through darkness has given me a better understanding of my purpose in life.
I was faced with cancer, and it made me a fighter. I will keep my head up and be that diamond in the rough.
Name 3 things you’ve done to move closer to happiness.
- I dance in my living room.
- I help others around me who need a little positivity and uplifting words.
- I take time for myself to find inner peace and serenity.
What is your favorite Beautiful Disaster collection, past or present, and why?
"What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger." It’s a story that is strong, and the statement is so true. Many people can relate to it.