In this season of gratitude, one member of our community shines with a heart full of thanks despite life's hardest battles. If you were to look up "warrior" in the dictionary, you’d likely find Megan Harris’ name. As the proud owner of Crown Beauty Bar, a breast cancer survivor, and someone who has endured the heartache of child loss, Megan’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, reminding us all that even through life’s greatest trials, joy and triumph can be found on the other side.
The last 3.5 years of Megan’s life have been nothing shy of a rollercoaster, with miraculous highs and the lowest of lows. At just 28 years old, Megan's world was turned upside down in a span of 48 hours. What began with the discovery of an abnormal lump quickly led to a visit to The Breast Center, where she received a life-changing diagnosis: breast cancer. From there, she experienced a whirlwind of surgery and painful chemotherapy treatments. The aggressive chemo caused her to lose her hair, which was earth shattering. As a hair stylist, not only was this a part of her job, but her hair had been a huge part of her identity and confidence, stripped away in the blink of an eye. After battling cancer, she was cleared to begin expanding her family 2 years post-treatment. During pregnancy, her son was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome—a rare genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 18 in his cells. She carried the baby for 18 weeks and though he was alive during labor, he did not make it past. In speaking about this period of life Megan says, “Honestly, my pregnancy journey with him was by far harder than chemo. I would've done chemo 2-3 more times. This was another level of not having control.” Four months following this loss, Megan and her husband got pregnant with a baby girl who is now 15 months old. This miracle baby is a light at the end of the tunnel in a dark, dark time.
Hearing Megan's story, it's hard to fathom how anyone could hold on to joy and perseverance. Yet, she did just that. Losing her hair, breast, and cycle—core parts of her femininity—forced her to redefine her identity and sense of beauty. Through these challenges, Megan embraced a new perspective, learning to take life one step at a time. Rather than feeling paralyzed by the magnitude of her diagnosis, she viewed each chemo session as a mile marker in her journey. One of her most profound lessons is to savor the ride of life, reminding us that it's not a race to the finish, but a journey meant to be experienced—highs, lows, and all.
When asked about the lessons she is the most thankful for, she had a few nuggets of wisdom to share with us.
- We are not invincible at any age, each of us is susceptible to a scary diagnosis or a painful injury. Tell people you love them, savor life’s precious moments, and remember what truly matters.
- Our bodies are our only opportunity at life, so we must take care of them! Rather than longing for a slimmer figure, tanner skin, longer hair, or other physical traits, she urges us to view our bodies as the vessels that carry us through life.
- Be vulnerable in your trials to help others find hope and inspiration at the end of a dark tunnel. What’s the point of getting through trials if you’re not able to help others find hope in their hardships?
There is power in numbers, and Megan credits the NWA community for connecting her with others facing their own struggles. Crown Beauty Bar serves as her "safe place," where coworkers and clients have consistently uplifted her throughout her journey, even five years later. When she needed to take a break from the salon shortly after purchasing it, her colleagues stepped in to support her by taking on her clients. The Breast Center also played a significant role in her recovery, as they genuinely invested in connecting her with others in similar situations. This support not only provided her with the strength to persevere but also helped her build meaningful relationships. Furthermore, her social media presence has been crucial in allowing her to share her story and inspire others to do the same. As the saying goes, "iron sharpens iron," and Megan is grateful for the way her community has stood by her side in this journey.
Megan Harris embodies a spirit of resilience and gratitude that inspires us all. By sharing her story, Megan not only honors her own experiences but also encourages others to embrace their struggles and find strength in adversity. As she reminds us, life is not a race to the finish line, but a beautiful journey filled with moments worth cherishing. Megan stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the darkest times, joy and connection can prevail.
Savor the journey of life; it's not a race to the finish line, but a beautiful journey filled with moments worth cherishing.