"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." — Desmond Tutu
Nineteen years ago, I signed up to walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day after losing one of my closest friends to breast cancer. I had no idea that first step in 2007 would lead me to some of my life's greatest gifts. Komen became my soft place to land, and over the years I've walked hundreds of miles and raised over $70,000 for people living with breast cancer.
So much has changed in those nineteen years. I've watched my friend's daughters grow into remarkable young women. I've watched more friends and loved ones hear the words "you have breast cancer." And while real advances have been made, people are living longer, living better, we still have a long way to go.
That's why hope matters. And that's why I keep walking.
This year, I've set a goal of raising $10,000. Reaching it would bring my lifetime total to $80,000, and right now, that money is needed more than ever. Requests to Komen's Financial Assistance Program increased by 65% last year, and we expect that number to keep climbing.
I am lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the most generous people I know. None of this happens without you. So thank you…for showing up, for giving, and for believing that a better world is possible.
If you're ready to make a difference, please donate today. Every dollar funds real services for real people, from financial assistance to cutting-edge research, and brings us one step closer to a world without breast cancer. My goal is $10,000. I know we can get there together.