Gail Skaates-Santiago

More Than Pink Walk Alumni
Team Captain

My Achievements

$100

Milestone: $100

$250 $250

Milestone: $250

$500

Milestone: $500

$1,000

Milestone: $1000

$1,500

Milestone: $1500

$2,500

Milestone: $2500

Received Five Donations

My personal Breast Cancer Story - My Why

For many years I have been an ally and advocate for breast cancer. I have had colleagues, friends and friends family members who have been directly impacted by this disease. I have attended many fundraising events and walks. But it is different now.......

My personal story began in early 2019 with my Mothers Invasive Ductal Carcinoma diagnosis that had spread to her lymph nodes. She underwent a lumpectomy with drain tubes followed by 30+ rounds of radiation that was torture on her skin. I am incredibly grateful to tell you that she is 3 years cancer free! She is a warrior, survivor and inspiration!

It was then that my journey began. I was on a mission of wellness. Having lost my father to Liver Cancer just a few years before, I knew that my risks were incredibly high. I began with genetic testing which confirmed that I was NOT a carrier of the BRCA gene. My doctors recommended a 6 month cadence of Mammograms and MRIs as my risks were still elevated.

It was through those screenings that in August of 2021, my doctors found two spots that were concerning. In September of 2021, I had a mammography guided biopsy followed by 2 MRI guided biopsies. At the time my doctors were convinced that one spot was precancerous and we should remove through Lumpectomy. On November 1, 2021 I underwent the lumpectomy.

On November 8, 2021, I received the call that the pathology results confirmed it was in fact CANCER (DCIS - Ductal Carcinoma in situ)!

I knew my risks were high but this was a BIG blow! I was 46!

In December 2021, I battled 15 rounds of radiation and in February 2022 began my 5 year Tamoxifen regimen to reduce my risk of recurrence. All of my scans have been clear post diagnosis! PRAISE GOD!

October now means more to me than ever before. I will be walking in my third Susan G Komen walk as a SURVIVOR on October 27th.

Will you consider supporting me by making a donation?

For those in ATX, Would you consider walking with me?

If nothing more, please prioritize your own screenings. Please encourage your friends, family and colleagues to do the same. Male or Female.....Cancer does not discriminate.

Early detection saves lives. It saved mine!

The cost of care for a patient the first year is $144,000.00. Your donations could ensure that one Mom would not have to make the choice between treatment or paying rent/mortgage.

It would mean the world to me to have your support. Please consider donating using the link below!

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Gail Is MORE THAN PINK®

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Gail's Donors Are MORE THAN PINK®!
Fundraising Honor Roll
Simone Konrado
Tenille Hamilton-Carpenter
$144
Renata Violante Mena
Ana J DiazDiez
Andrew Grimes
Mr. Jonathan Aires
Marten Huizing
$104
Msbee Abenezah
$102
Brianne Ancich
$102
Tony Dabney
$102
Chelsea Thomas
$102
Harley Rubio
$102
Valerie Hassler
$100
Dawn Phillips
$100
Mauricio Odovaine Lopez
$100
Radha Krishna Veguru
$100
Scott Hein
$100
Joe Bohnert
$100
Whitney Lewis
$70
Kristi Ehler
$61
Caitriona Flynn
$55
Majella Mungovan
$53
James Powers
$52
Christina Harmon
$52
Sonja Clark
$51
Theresa Vuong
$51
Matt McLaughlin
$50
Facebook Fundraiser
$50
Jonathan Faulkner
$50
Biseswari Konsam
$50
Felix De La Rea
$50
Ana Risso
$50
Anonymous
Karla Larracuente
$36
Angel Di Gruccio
$25