1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. I was one of them.

At 38, healthy, active, and with no family history, I never thought it would be me. A fall in the shower led to the discovery of a lump-and soon after, a Stage 3 diagnosis.

Chemo. Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Radiation. Endocrine Therapy, Reconstructive surgeries. Fear beyond words-especially as a mom to a then 2½-year-old.

Early on I searched for the why, the how, the many many questions I would never answer. Instead I made a decision, that when active treatment was complete I would use my voice to make a difference.

I became an Advocacy Ambassador with Komen and most recently an Advocacy Ambassador Leader. Telling my story, fighting for this community on Capitol Hill and beyond gives me something cancer could never take...PURPOSE!

I am lucky, and incredibly blessed each and every year I have been able to watch him grow. 

This year marks 10 years in remission. WOW!