Hello Family and Friends! I am so happy you are here. Your love and support has meant the world to me and I am so grateful for each of you. You have stood by me, lifted me, and carried me throughout one of the most difficult times in my life.
I was diagnosed with stage 2, IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma) in October of 2023 at the age of 40. During my yearly ob/gyn visit, my doctor first said to me, "You're 40, time to start getting mammograms!" My response, jokingly "Woo-hoo!" During that visit she found a new lump. It wasn't uncommon for me to get lumps and bumps that came and went, but this time it was different. Little did I know this would be my first and my last mammogram.
My diagnosis was shocking and scary. Breast cancer did not run in my family. I was young and I was healthy. Things moved very quickly after that, but I was able to get through it with the help of my family and friends. I am here today because of my incredible healthcare team. I underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. I was told, had this been 20 years ago, my journey would have been a different story.
I am running Race for the Cure because I owe it to those who fought before me, are fighting with me, and will fight after me. I want to raise awareness and to raise funds for research and for support services for those who need it. My wish for the future is for every person to have access to screening and for those who will be faced with this disease to get the care and support services they need, and to ultimately find a cure.
A big THANK YOU to all of you!!!
With Love, Cristina
Team Captain
