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Turning Fear into Resilience

Lisa Wallrath’s Journey of Fighting with Faith

Article by Amber Dobyns

Photography by Fireheart Photography

Originally published in Porter City Lifestyle

"You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice. Embrace the journey, trust in your inner strength, and let hope be your guide. The fight is tough, but so are you."

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From a young age, we’re often told to trust our inner voice—the subtle whisper of instinct that guides us through life’s most uncertain moments. For Lisa Wallrath, owner of Dynamic Entertainment Productions, that voice became a lifeline during an ordinary shower when she felt a lump in her breast between the wash, rinse, and repeat cycles. Wrestling with denial, she meditated about what to do next, turned on her favorite song, and had an epiphany: it was time to trust her instincts and schedule a doctor’s appointment.

Lisa’s world came crashing down when she heard the words, “You have breast cancer.” In a time when words were failing her, music became her solace, helping her navigate the overwhelming emotions of fear, anger, and uncertainty all harmonized to confusion as there was no history of breast cancer in her family. How could this be happening? She had done everything right—maintained a healthy diet, stayed active, and lived well. But none of that mattered now. She knew she needed to become more in-tune with herself to fight this battle. The journey would be grueling—chemo, surgery, radiation—all while the world outside her door was locked down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As Lisa shared the devastating news with her family, a wave of guilt swept over her—she felt like she was letting them down. Her husband became her rock, music remained her melody, and she transformed her fear and anger into fight. Lisa decided that she was going to take control of her journey, and scale the treatment plans to not only survive, but thrive with prayer as her strongest weapon.

Surrounded by the love of her friends, family, and “friendors” in the entertainment industry, Lisa was reminded of how far she had come, not just how far she had to go. She continued pouring herself into her work, bringing her best self to the events she managed through her company, Dynamic Entertainment Productions. Lisa has always enjoyed seeing others happy, and providing DJ services, creating the perfect playlist, watching wedding guests sway to the music, or strike a pose for a selfie in the photo booth, would inspire her to stay optimistic and persevere.

Breast cancer survivors often say they’ve been blessed with two lives: the one before the diagnosis and the one they truly live after. Although her diagnosis will always be a part of her story, Lisa is a survivor in every sense. She emerged from the battle not just as a survivor, but as a warrior with a mission. She encourages others facing this journey to follow in her footsteps and find joy in what they love, join support groups, and share their stories to educate and spread awareness. Through her faith, will to survive, and determination to 'fight like a girl,' Lisa has become an inspirational figure, proving that with courage, love, and a little music, even the darkest moments can give rise to an extraordinary light.

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