In November of 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. With no family history and very little knowledge about breast cancer, I had no idea how many different types there were.

Shortly after my double mastectomy, I learned that I had a type called HER2+. Naturally, I turned to the internet to find out what that meant—and to my dismay, I discovered that HER2+ breast cancer is often considered more aggressive than other types. It tends to grow and spread faster, and it carries a higher risk of recurrence.

Fortunately, in 2006, the FDA approved a targeted therapy drug called Herceptin to treat early-stage HER2+ breast cancer—a treatment that’s been shown to be highly effective.

To think that before 2006 (less than 20 years ago!) such effective treatment for my specific type and stage of cancer didn’t exist!?

That’s why this walk means so much to me. If it weren’t for events like this that raise money for research, new treatments, and support programs—my own journey could have looked a whole lot different.