One mother’s amazing journey turning pain into purpose — Cara Welsh’s story

In honor of Mother’s Day this past weekend, we asked Huntsville mothers to share their unique stories with us. Cara Welsh is a working mom of three who was diagnosed with cancer during her second pregnancy. After a challenging divorce, Welsh quickly had to learn how to juggle single parenthood, her illness and everything else life threw her way.

Eight years later, Welsh has found herself in a much happier place, but her journey was everything but easy. Welsh’s story is one of perseverance, vulnerability and love. Read on to learn more about her experience.

Welsh’s pregnancy + lymphoma diagnosis

In the summer of 2016, Welsh discovered she was pregnant with her second child, her son pictured above. Her excitement soon came to an abrupt halt when her OB/GYN at the time discovered a lump in her neck during her prenatal visit.

This especially raised concern, given that Welsh’s mother had been diagnosed with lymphoma at around the same age. After testing was done, Welsh and her doctor learned that she had a mixed tumor.

Despite conflicting medical opinions, confusion and stress, Welsh continued to research her condition and eventually began seeing an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Searching for true community in times of crisis

In the midst of learning more about her diagnosis and visiting her ENT at UAB twice a month, Welsh discovered her husband at the time was using heroin.

Despite the unimaginable stress that ensued, Welsh proceeded to follow her plan with her ENT. She gave birth to her healthy son and proceeded to have the tumor removed.

Although the tests on the tumor came back negative, Welsh still had to recover from nerve and muscular damage in her face.

“People’s true colors come out during those kind of times. There were a lot of people that fell silent — either it was because they didn’t believe me, or they thought ‘this is too much drama.’ And then there were people that came out of the woodwork, people I didn’t know and sincerely wanting to help.”

Cara Welsh

Welsh extends her gratitude to the working moms who showed up for her when she needed them the most. She is especially grateful for her coworkers who rallied around her at Redstone Federal Credit Union.

Finding peace with faith + her love for running

A common theme in Welsh’s story is perseverance, and it took a great amount to arrive where she is today.

“I was very bitter and angry, and I still struggle with it, don’t get me wrong. Life’s not perfect, but I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.”

Cara Welsh

Welsh says her faith in God and her passion for running have been vital in maintaining her mental and emotional health throughout her experiences. Her ability to get outside, communicate with God and also receive some vitamin D helped her regain her sense of self.

How she learned to trust a new partner

Welsh says, although it was extremely difficult at first, her ability to open her heart played a major role in her healing process. It also is what led her to her current husband, Michael, and her new stepdaughter.

In late 2016, Welsh and her husband began talking after she vulnerably posted a baby bump picture on social media in the midst of her cancer diagnosis and ex husband’s departure. She says Michael was one of the people who “came out of the woodwork” — on various occasions, he offered to mow her lawn, take her out for lunch and help her out in any way he could. Their friendship blossomed into the couple dating for three years before getting married in May 2019.

“The best advice I can have for anybody is to be open minded. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Put yourself out there. I’m a big believer in that, because I quickly figured out tomorrow is not promised.”

Cara Welsh

“What does being a mother mean to you?”

Welsh says everything she endured in 2016 redefined her vision of motherhood. During those challenging times, it was more clear to her than ever that she needed to set an example for her children.

“My kids are the two most important things in my life, and I would not be here without them, I know that for a fact. I call my daughter my own little savior and I call my son my blessing.”

Cara Welsh

Helping others with their trauma + mental health

Welsh is a passionate advocate for mental health, and she has created a platform to inspire others to open their hearts and seek help. You can follow her motivational Instagram account, @fightingthedemons101, to keep up with her words of wisdom and fitness activities.

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