Again this year, I joined the ONE Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen RACE FOR THE CURE. 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 – it would be truly appreciated.
I am thankful for my story as I am a survivor – almost 4 years post round 1 of chemo/surgery. My cancer was diagnosed 1 year and 3 days after my last mammogram that was 100% normal. I can still remember answering that call from my ob/gyn office and hearing the voice of my physician on the other side (thinking why isn’t his nurse the one on the phone with me). His news was devastating and in the early days of the pandemic – June 2020. I was able to have an appointment with a surgeon the next day – thinking this would be a simple lumpectomy and life would go on. I learned in the coming weeks that my breast cancer would require more treatment than I could have imagined – while small and early it was aggressive HER2+. This meant chemo before surgery and then potentially more chemo after surgery. Neither cancer nor chemo were kind to my body and it was a rough 18 months that I was only able to manage due to the kindness of my family, friends and coworkers who act like family. In the end it was 3 surgeries, 35 rounds of chemo and 30 days of radiation. Having worked at Houston Methodist since 1998 never had I experienced this level of care from our health system – I was treated with kindness, humility and made some new friends along the way.
My cancer was not genetic, but I have a history on my dad’s side that is so strong it makes you think they just don’t have that genetic marker yet – my grandmother, both of my aunts and my only female cousin.
I am supporting Komen to get ONE step closer to a world without breast cancer – for my 3 girls – Bailey Anne, Perry and Pia. They had a front row seat to my battle being a single mom they had to witness more than any mom would have wanted. They took me to chemo, gave me strength when mine was running low, helped me shave my head when it was time and sat with me on days when it was all too hard. I NEVER want them to have to go through what I did. 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.
Being a breast cancer survivor means that people call you to tell you that they just got diagnosed and I know I am not alone in saying I DON’T WANT TO GET ONE MORE OF THOSE PHONE CALLS. I love being a support for my friends, but I just want a cure to keep them healthy.
In moments like this, your generosity can make a real difference. This year I have set a BIG goal, because I want to make a big difference. Together, let’s show breast cancer patients there’s a whole community standing by their side. I will be walking this year and serving as the captain of the Houston Methodist team (so proud!) and if you want to walk considering joining our team or start your own!
Will you please join me in this fight by making a donation today? Forever grateful to be a survivor.
Race for the Cure Alumni
Team Captain
