About

I’m Velma. I lived in San Francisco. I started this blog because I wanted to share my story with women out there who may find themselves facing challenges in life. Life is hard sometimes, especially when you’re a woman because we are regarded as caregivers. There’s an expectation that we can persevere through anything. I’m no stranger to the pitfalls of life. There are many challenges, insecurities and fears that go along with trying to get through this thing we call Life.

I’ve survived divorce, custody battles, the death of my father, a 16 year eating disorder, alcoholism (I’m 15 years sober), an emotionally abusive relationship while battling cancer, I’ve done my best to raise three wonderful children as a single mom. I’m a warrior and I’m a survivor. 

My dad passed away several years ago and I was devastated. My life turned upside down. I quit my job, broke up with my boyfriend, packed up my bags, left my family, friends and even my children to move to San Francisco in the hopes of finding happiness. Unfortunately, I hit rock bottom. For the first time in my life, I found myself facing challenges I couldn’t overcome. I found myself broken and I felt like a failure. I ended up sick, very depressed and I lost my self worth, self confidence and my strength to believe in myself and persevere. 

God certainly has a sense of humor. On April 10, 2014, I was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer. I endured six chemo therapy treatments, 36 radiation treatments, a year of infusions, the loss of my hair, my eyebrows, my eyelashes, my fingernails, toenails and The loss of my dignity too. My knees and the bathroom floor became very good friends. I was on my knees every day asking God for the strength to make it through one more day. I made it!  I’m a survivor.  

Life can be challenging at times. Occasionally I feel like I’m “living a life of illusion” however, if there’s one thing I know, in any challenge, this too shall pass. If God brings you to it, he will certainly bring you through it. My philosophy is you have to find the humor in all things. There is always something to be grateful for and there is always, always something to laugh about. My hope is that by sharing my stories, my experiences, my ups and my downs, that someone reading my blog will find themselves inspired to keep going and never give up! If I can do it….So can you. If you feel like giving up what I will share is that Throughout the many storms of my life, I must admit, I’ve given up many times however, even on the days I gave up I kept getting up. No matter the challenge or how difficult the storm….keep getting up.

I read a quote that said, “She was unstoppable! Not because she didn’t have failures or doubts, but because she continued on despite them.” I am continuing my fight every day and I hope that I will be the inspiration you need to do the same. I’m an overcomer! I’m a survivor! I’m Fierce, Fabulous and Funny!

If you’d like to contact me, please email velmadunkin@gmail.com. I’d be happy to hear from you and offer any advice or encouragement I can. I am a certified John Maxwell Coach. My goal is to add value to the lives of others and make a difference. I hope I can make a positive difference in your life. 


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25 thoughts on “About”

  1. Velma, you like I have always said are my hero. Your blog starts kind of in the middle of your journey, can you please tell me about how you found out you had breast cancer, what were your symptoms, how did you find it, what was the early prognosis? I would like to know from the very beginning what happened.

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    • Absolutely. I will write about it tomorrow. However if you go on my Facebook back to April you will see it all documented. I’m praying for you. Btw God is working in my life Joey. I had a colonoscopy yesterday. They removed a polyp. It was pre-cancer but he got all of it. I’m so grateful

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  2. what a fighter you are! such an inspirational blog. i love it. my blog is about my life, i live with dissociative identity disorder and ptsd, i am also blind, i am from ireland. i write about living life with mental illnesses and i also write about my process of going through psychotherapy. sometimes i will writeabout disability too. i hope you might follow me over at http://therapybits.com/

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  3. I think I will like it here. It’s hard to go through the challenges, it’s harder to share them but it is a blessing to those who hear them. Thanks for sharing a part of your life with us. God bless you.

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  5. You’re one brave lady! Life can really kick us in the teeth, and there’s nothing worse than a toothache. 😀 The important part of living is staying focused on the one who gives us life and continuing to make steps. Even a little progress is still progress. P.S. I’m finishing up a Life Coach certification right now. How funny is that!

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  10. Your words moved me and your courage gave me strenght. You are a warrior and a woman who always will leave an imprint on all of us who have been down the same road.
    My pleasure in meeting you,
    Solitaire

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