I never expected breast cancer to become such a central part of my story.

I registered for the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk on the same day I attended a memorial for my friend and neighbor, Keli. She died from the effects of breast cancer. She was diagnosed 3.5 years ago. She died on April 1, 2025. She was 46.

I got to know Keli well while caring for my mom, who was also battling breast cancer. Keli lived next door to my parents and was an extended part of the family. An extra set of eyes and ears deeply connected to the support system that showed up when my mom was living the last part of her life. My mom was 58 when she was diagnosed. She died on June 7, 2017. She never saw 63.

It’s been 13 years since I answered a phone call from my mom just after I landed at the Hartford airport.

“I have cancer,” she said. I stopped in my tracks and nearly stopped breathing.

It was a golden October morning. I had just looked out the plane window, mesmerized by the brilliant autumn colors. I remember thinking, how can something that’s dying look so alive?

Over the next five years, my mom showed me exactly how.

This walk is for them—for Keli, for my mom, and for the millions of people whose lives are changed by breast cancer every year. I'm walking to raise money for research, for support programs, for hope. I'm walking so that fewer people have to say goodbye too soon.

If you're able, please consider donating. Your support means more than you know.

Love each day.

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