Dear Family & Friends,
As I think most of you know by now, my very best friend/our incredible family friend Maura was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer this past February, at the age of 40. She has been through so much already - multiple surgeries and 16 rounds of chemotherapy - but I'm so happy to report that she finally rang the bell of hope on 8/26 alongside her husband Bill and three children Ella (13), Jack (10) and Luke (6)!
In her honor, Grace and I decided to participate in the upcoming Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" on September 28th to raise money for breast cancer research. What many are not aware of, is that this disease is on the rise, affecting more young women than ever before. And often, these are the most aggressive types with limited treatment options.
Another common misconception, is that breast cancer mainly affects those with family history/genetic mutations, older age, overall health issues etc. Maura was a healthy 40-year-old with no family history - she didn't check a single box for risk factors. Thankfully, she was able to catch it early, but we need to ensure that todays fighters and future generations of them have access to better treatments, improved methods of early detection, less barriers and the hope for a cure - forever.
Maura has found so much meaning this past year in spreading awareness about the importance of early detection. By sharing her story, she has driven hundreds of women to get their screenings, even saving the life of one of her friends from High School who had been putting off her yearly mammogram. Because of Maura, she was diagnosed early, and will be around to watch her three young children grow up.
Grace and I would be so appreciative of any support in this effort for her and those fighting! Whether it's a donation, sharing her story with the women in your life/encouraging screenings, or simply keeping her and her family in your thoughts. Every bit of support brings us closer to a cure and a future where no families have to face this battle!
All our love and thanks,
Jen & Grace
