On January 1, 2024 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I was given the option for lumpectomy with radiation and hormone therapy, but as a Mom of an amazing 8 year old boy I opted to be more aggressive and have a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. My aggressiveness with the support of my husband and son, saved my life. Hidden in the dense breast tissue was two invasive cancer tumors that were not detected on mammogram, ultrasound or stereotactic biopsy. I am hormone positive which means additional medication for the next 5 years and I have had some complications mentally and physically. At the end of the day, charities like Susan G. Komen and medical breakthroughs gave me options that I am truly grateful for. This walk is very special as it not only raises awareness and money but it's what my son wanted to do for his 9th birthday.
The last 8 months my son made me two promises. One- He was going to strikeout Breast Cancer which we did together in the spring for me and he did that pitching in the NJ State Little League Tournament for 8 year olds. He doesn't normally pitch and it was only one but it was the best strikeout I have ever seen. Second- He promised to "Smash" every ball when he was up at bat. He said the ball was cancer and he was mad at it. This spring he hit his first two Home Runs and he was remarkable in his ability to consistently smash that ball through all stars, running the bases, with the back of his helmet sporting pink breast cancer stickers and a "for my mom" sticker. It was such a beautiful experience and helped my significantly through my surgeries and treatment.
Being a Mom, my job is to force myself up and out everyday regardless of the pain or how im feeling mentally or physically. The medication, is what it is, to keep the cancer from coming back and I'll take it for however long they tell me too. But just because you see a person who got up, smiles and looks well put together doesn't mean you know how they are doing. My son is my hero and what is best for him is what I will always do. What we need is to find a cure so that women like me don't need to force it, or be judged because of it. We can't fix the ugly in the world but we can find a cure for cancer so we can tackle it head on without struggle. Every little bit counts, to promote research, raise awareness and provide financial assistance. Join and Donate to T7 in the MORE THAN PINK Walk on October 6, 2024 in Jackson, NJ and together we can make this happen for all the Mom's of little ballers!
Erica
