Raising awareness and funds for research is very important to me. In 2009, my mom, my boys? Teta, was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were incredibly grateful that she got the support and treatments that she needed. In early 2025, she was unfortunately diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, but we are feeling optimistic! In the last 5 years, my close friend, friends' wives, and others have also been diagnosed and undergoing treatment.

Why Susan G. Komen? In ~1998, my mom and I volunteered for SGK?s ?Race for the Cure? in Frankfurt, Germany - mailing letters to local organizations to encourage donations and sponsorships. I never imagined that someone I knew would get it. Over the years, I ran some of their 5ks in NYC in honor of my mom. This is a first in CT!

Bottom line: breast cancer touches everyone in some way, at some point. AND women?s healthcare has been generally underfunded and more important than ever!