My Story
In 2024, I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. I was 39 years old. I was in my ninth year as an Active Duty member in the Air Force. I was healthy, and young(ish) - at least that’s what I thought. Anger, confusion, denial, sadness were just some of the emotions I’ve been cycling through ever since.
But as a result of scientific research, “Stage IV” doesn’t mean what it used to. I am currently on amazing medications that have kept my cancer from spreading, even without chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. And as I am coming up on my 1 year diagnosis anniversary, I am determined to have many, many more.
But as a result of scientific research, “Stage IV” doesn’t mean what it used to. I am currently on amazing medications that have kept my cancer from spreading, even without chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. And as I am coming up on my 1 year diagnosis anniversary, I am determined to have many, many more.
Since my diagnosis, I have also learned that military members are exposed to risk factors that make them especially susceptible to developing cancer, and that the community of past or present military members who have had, are living with, or passed away due to cancer is unacceptably large.
I literally owe my life to research and the fight for a cure that started long ago. I can only hope to pay it forward and join the ranks of the brave and dedicated who came before me.
Join me by donating to my fundraiser or by joining the Combatting Cancer Walk Team! Every bit helps get us one step closer to a world without breast cancer.
