We are in the fight/battle/war of our lives and, believe it or not, mostly all I see are blessings and miracles all around us.

Last fall my daughter Brittani and I read a story about Good Morning America’s anchor Robin Roberts and her battle with breast cancer. For some reason, I was drawn to this story. We also watched as Robin shaved her head bald when it started to fall out from the chemo she was undergoing. Robin stated that she wanted to be in control of when and how her hair would come out and not ‘allow’ the chemo to choose it for her.

Brit & I both said, "Wow! That’s so powerful!" We thought Roberts’ perspective was an excellent one to have given her circumstances. This proved to be very profound because, while we were having this moment together, we didn't think for a minute that Brit might soon travel down the same path as Robin.

Almost exactly a week later, Brit learned that she would need a more aggressive chemo regimen and would most likely lose her hair. She started the chemo October 21, 2008 and lost her hair November 12th. I wanted to be sad for her, but God showed me another way of handling my sadness.

On November 13, I received a cell phone picture from my cousin in Chicago entitled "New Son". When I opened it, I saw that it was a picture of her daughter with a shaved head in support of Brit! I can't begin to describe the emotions that ran through me at that moment. The following day, I received a second picture message - this time from my aunt titled "Cutting It Off;” then a few minutes, later "Done". She had sent before and after photos of shaving her head.

I was moved beyond words.

That Friday I shaved my head and sent a picture message to my family entitled "For Brat" (Brit’s nickname) with a small caption that read: "Joining my family in support of Brit. Not to show her that I love her, but BECAUSE I love her.”

Two days later on Sunday, her dad, my brother, my mom and two of my cousins all shaved their heads in support of Brit.

This was a clear example of just how wonderfully blessed we are to be surrounded by so much love and support and the reason why I say sometimes illness can serve as a wonderful gift from God. Robin Roberts said her grandmother always told her: "Make your mess, YOUR message". So that's what we're doing and is the only way I know how to move forward in spite of the circumstances.

Brittani is better than anyone I know because she never complains and just does what she needs to do - without limits, excuses or fears. I don't know how she does it, but she just does.

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Written for the Chordoma Foundation by Tami Staple