My battle with breast cancer is a deeply personal one, interwoven with my family's history. My Nana's diagnosis when I was a child left a lasting impression, as did my Aunt's courageous fight against multiple recurrences years later. These experiences gave me an early awareness of this pervasive disease.

In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, I discovered a lump and received the devastating news: Stage 2B Grade 3 Triple-negative breast cancer. Isolated in lockdown, I began a grueling treatment regimen with the support of my husband and children. Work became impossible as I endured sixteen rounds of chemotherapy and twenty-three radiation therapy appointments. The physical and emotional toll was immense, yet Pacific Beacon, my employer, stood by me with unwavering support, allowing me the time to heal and fight.

Triple-negative Breast Cancer is aggressive, with a higher incidence in young adults, particularly within Black and Latino communities. This highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and research tailored to these demographics.

As I approach my fifth year in remission, officially making me a survivor, I am filled with immense gratitude and renewed purpose. My journey has fueled a powerful desire to contribute to the fight against this disease that has impacted so many lives, including my own, my family's, and especially my friends who have passed. Prior to my diagnosis, I walked in the 2010 Susan G. Komen sixty miles in 3 Days in San Francisco, and again in San Diego with my best friend. Our friends and family helped raise close to $10,000 for this cause, unknowingly contributing to research that would later aid my own fight.

With this spirit, I extend a heartfelt invitation to you all. Join our team, "Beacon of Hope," as we unite to raise vital funds and critical awareness for breast cancer research and support. Together, we can make a tangible difference, funding breakthroughs, assisting those undergoing treatment, and ultimately, bringing us closer to a world free from the shadow of breast cancer. Your participation—through donations, spreading awareness, or joining our team—will be invaluable in illuminating the path toward a brighter future for countless individuals and families.