In October 2004, my mom first introduced me to the words "Breast Cancer." At the age of 38, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I was 14 at the time and had no idea what cancer was, nor what was to come. As my mom went through chemotherapy, I watched as her body grew tiresome and her hair fell out. After a year of treatment, my mom went into remission and our future seemed bright. My mom lasted less than a year in remission when the cancer metastasized and spread into her lungs, liver, and brain. My mom fought long and hard for three years, but the cancer that was made of her, made her organs fail and drained the life out of her. I was 17, and my brother was 8, when we lost our mom.

In September 2020, a lump was found in my right breast, the same side as my mom. A genetics test revealed I had the BRCA1 gene mutation which meant the diagnosis of Breast Cancer was inevitable. Well, in January 2021 at the age of 30, I was diagnosed with Stage 0 Breast Cancer. Due to the BRCA1 gene mutation and diagnosis, I made the courageous decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy. By the grace of God, all nine lymph nodes removed were cancer free, so I did not need treatment because there was no trace of cancer. 

I have suffered loss, fear, pain, and grief due to Breast cancer. So, this team and this cause is close to my heart. With that said, I have created the PANDA STRONG team for the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk to fight against Breast Cancer. 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, like my mom and me, there’s a whole community standing by their side.

Will you please join me in this fight by joining my team and/or making a donation today?