It has been 13 years since my mom called me on a golden October morning to share with me the few words that defined five years of our lives and shaped what was to come:

"I have cancer."

The call came when I was in the Hartford airport, traveling for work. My knees buckled and I didn't feel strong enough to do much of anything in that moment. I can remember staring out of the airplane window as we were landing, completely taken by the autumn beauty of the New England town, and wondering, as my knees buckled, how something that was dying could shine so brightly.

The five years she lived with cancer proved to me that there is a beauty in loving every moment we have--and she showed me each and every day and with every twist of the journey what it meant for something that was experiencing a natural season--a death--might shine like gold.

One step at a time. One day at a time. Love each moment and each day. Even the tough ones.

Somehow, it's been nearly eight years since she told me she was worried about George Clooney after Amal gave birth to twins, raspily told me that she was ok, and demanded that I "go to work." Hours later, she ate her last ice cream cone (bless her for that one--ice cream is always a good idea) and departed. I still pray with all of my might that she is resting easy.

Things change, but they don't. I miss her like it was just yesterday. It feels like it's been lifetimes. 

This year, we unexpectedly lost my younger brother too, and I'm still processing how the world still turns. He just came back from a run. And then his heart stopped beating.

Tomorrow is never promised, but living each day and each minute as authentically and completely as possible seems to be the only way to take one step after another.

Cancer need not be a death sentence. Since that time, I've been a tireless advocate of early detection, trust in medical advances, and support in all parts of our journey, even when the hurdles seem immense.

Love each day. I learned what that meant, even when the journey felt impossible. And I learn more about it every single moment of this life that I'm blessed to live.

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This year, I joined the Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk. I am dedicated to Komen's 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.

Your support helps us get one step closer to a world without breast cancer. 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 financial assistance program, or navigation services to break down barriers to care, Komen will be there for them.

Ending breast cancer needs all of us, and your generosity can make a real difference. Together, let’s show breast cancer patients there’s a whole community standing by their side.

Will you please join me in this fight by making your donation today?