In 2022, what was supposed to be a simple step toward something cosmetic turned into one of the biggest turning points of my life.

I was getting ready for a breast lift something I had wanted for a while. Because of my history with cysts, my surgeon required a mammogram and ultrasound first. I had no major concerns. After all, I had just had a mammogram the year before, and everything came back completely normal. But that’s the thing with cancer, it can grow quietly, and fast.

During the ultrasound, the radiologist saw something that didn’t look right. I was sent for a biopsy, and that’s when I heard the words no one ever expects: You have breast cancer. More specifically, ductal carcinoma in SITU an early stage, non-invasive cancer that, if left untreated, could become much more serious.

I felt like the air had been knocked out of me. I didn’t feel sick. I didn’t look sick. And I had just had a clean mammogram the year before. It didn’t make sense but it was real. I was fortunate that it was caught early. I didn’t need a mastectomy, but I did go through a lumpectomy and 4 weeks of radiation. It was physically and emotionally draining, but I am so grateful. Grateful it was found. Grateful I had access to care. Grateful to be here now.

That’s why I walk and why I’m fundraising for the Susan G. Komen Foundation More Than Pink Walk. Because this cause is so close to my heart. I walk for myself, for every woman who has been through this, for the ones still fighting, and for the ones who didn’t get the chance to win their battle. I walk so that more women can get access to early detection, affordable treatment, and hope.

I don’t take a single day for granted. And if I can give back in any way by raising awareness, funds, or simply sharing my story then that’s exactly what I’ll do.

Thank you so much for supporting me, supporting this cause, and helping move us closer to a world without breast cancer.