As I wrote this letter, I was on the great Walk to Beijing with Olivia Newton-John and a group of extraordinary people. You may not realize that the magazine goes to print nearly two months before it is in clubs. I pushed my deadline as far as I could because I knew that I would have a strong message to share with you—and do I.

The first day I stepped onto the great Wall, I began a course I'm not sure I was prepared for. In a small way, I started to understand the path of both pain and joy that a woman might experience as she battles cancer. I wasn't given much information before if left home. As a matter of fact, I was a bit concerned that I didn't know day by day what to expect. Where would I be sleeping? Would I like the food? Now I know why.

This trip was full of highs—like watching cancer survivors demonstrate an amazing determination to finish the walk. And lows—like walking for five hours with blisters on my feet, and shedding tears of despair as I wondered if I could keep it up for the entire, grueling 21 days.

Perhaps if I had known more I wouldn't have been so eager to participate. I'm a bit ashamed to say that my focus was on the wrong things, like whether or not my hair dryer would work. Back then, I didn't realize that I was about to embark on a rare quest that would possibly be the biggest event in my life so far—and that would have the capacity to rattle my core.

It was scary to leave my comfort zone and have little or no control over what's ahead. Or to not know how long the tough spots would last (would I see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel?) or how long I'd be able to enjoy a good thing. I questioned my strength and wondered if I'd make it to the end. I endured a battle in my head and wondered if I would give up.

But there were many blessings. I witnessed great acts of love, kindness, and gentleness. I listened to personal stories of victory over this deadly disease—cancer. I made many new friends. I achieved great physical feats and challenged myself beyond knowing. I became a stronger woman— physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I know many of you are facing challenges and long for hope. And I'm certain it's not limited to the battle with cancer. My wish is that I could stand in the gap for you and lend you the strength to endure, because the gift of perseverance is grand. It teaches us that we really lack nothing. That god provides for our every single need and nothing is impossible!

Keep shining,