I Pink I Can is back! 

For the third year we join together in the fight against breast cancer. We do this in memory of Linda Machi who sadly passed away in March 2022. 

Linda, on her 50th birthday, was told she had stage 3 triple negative breast cancer (a rare and aggressive form.) This would mean treatment options were slim and intense. August 2016, she began her first battle. After long chemotherapy infusions, a total mastectomy, and many weeks of radiation treatments, she was told she was in remission. 

Only 3 short months later a rash appeared on her surgical site. The oncologist looked puzzled, but stated it was likely radiation rash. He took a biopsy as precautionary measure only to reveal the cancer had come back. She reluctantly asked how long she had left with the response being a year and a half. 

That was in 2017. Linda refused to accept that timeline as it was her mission to watch both of her daughters graduate high school at minimum. A referral to another doctor whom entered her in a clinical trial gave her an additional two and a half years of a great life.

Naturally, the treatments stopped working and options began to get slim with time. Nothing stopped her from attending the Susan G. Komen walk every year. She walked in pride with so many like her. Linda made it a goal every year to walk with her daughters and husband no matter how long it took. She succeeded every single year. 

Linda looked forward to the walk even before it affected her life personal. When it became real, she and her family began to understand what the community could do. A simple woman telling her "I will see you next year" gave her the strength to keep fighting. 

A beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt, friend, and so much more to many. Linda was an inspiration to all those that knew her. We walk for her strength, courage, and legacy. Linda's power to fight against the odds for years with such a positive attitude empowered her whole family. It is only right we now repay the favor and give back to the community that supported her and all of us during what seemed like an impossible time. 

This year, I joined the ONE Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk.  I am dedicated to Komen's ONE mission of ending breast cancer forever, and I need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today in support of my fundraising efforts.

Your support helps us get ONE step closer to a world without breast cancer. Funds raised help support breakthrough research and provide assistance to those facing breast cancer today who need our support.  Whether it’s emotional support via Komen’s helpline, financial support through Komen’s treatment assistance program, or help navigating their care journey, Komen will be there for them.

In moments like this, your generosity can make a real difference. Together, let’s show breast cancer patients there’s a whole community standing by their side.

Will you please join me in this fight by making a donation today?