"Those words ‘You have cancer’ were given to me exactly one year ago to this very day. I was 27."

Everyone experiences major life changing moments. These could be good, or not so good. In my 28 years on this earth, I have only had a few such moments. The day I married my soulmate, the day I gave birth to my beautiful boy, and the day I was diagnosed with stage 3 Cervical cancer.

Those words ‘You have cancer’ were given to me exactly one year ago to this very day. I was 27. My life radically changed. From the moment I was given the news I made a promise to myself that I would not hide, I would not let cancer rule.

Mamamia previously shared Riarna’s story. Read it here.

I have always fulfilled that promise, sharing my story with everyone and anyone that would listen, creating a voice for Cervical Cancer. A reminder to be aware of changes in your body and up to date with your pap smears. I took control over something that tried to control me. I did not live in fear, I lived in hope and happiness. I am a survivor.

Earlier this year I met Danielle Symes. A highly talented photographer, a beautiful lady and an absolute asset to my life. I expressed to her that I had an idea. I wanted to ‘reveal’ myself, in every sense of the word. Match my story with images. An emotional experience for both of us the end result is powerful.

This is the real me. A mother, a wife, a cancer survivor. My body is an image of strength, an image of survival. The marks, the scars, a timely reminder that I have fought and risen above.

I want to tell you all that life can be tough, but its so crucial to love yourself and who you are. Never forget what is important. Practice gratitude daily, find the happiness in every situation. Be comfortable with your body, embrace yourself. You are beautiful.

Watch actress Tessa James speak about her cancer journey on Sunday Night.