It was 5 years ago, late summer 2019, when I heard the words I'll never forget..."you have cancer". I had just turned 40 years old and went in for my routine mammogram, not expecting anything to come of it. It was a "check the box" as recommended by my doctor at 40...and looking back now, the checking of that box saved my life. Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, already spread to the lymph nodes. I was completely blindsided. After all, I led a healthy lifestyle. I was an avid runner, a busy mom of 3, and enjoyed a career that I spent years tirelessly building. ...and now my year-long treatment plan including chemo, surgeries and radiation just wasn't fair, and I didn't have time for it, or at least that was my first thought.
Why me? I never got the answer to that question, but the year I spent going through treatment opened my eyes to new perspectives. Covid happened along the way and added extra challenges. It was a year of "digging deep" to say the least, but I tried my best to focus on embracing this chapter and, as a result, I grew tremendously in my faith and my life. I accepted that I would never know the "why" but I would fight to not dwell on that and instead lean on what I could make of this experience and how it could be an enriching one...and I made a promise that when I reached the other side I would remain a strong voice in the battle against cancer and always fight for a cure!
I have had tremendous opportunities to be involved with Susan G. Komen over the past few years as part of the Houston Executive Leadership Council and as Chair and co-Chair of Houston's Race for the Cure. The power of this united community of survivors and supporters is like no other. I am honored to co-chair the Race for the Cure in Houston again this year, on October 5th! Join me to crush cancer!
Race for the Cure Alumni
Team Captain
