Today, September 5, I celebrate another year of life — and this birthday feels especially meaningful given the year I’ve had.

Last year, on this very same day, while I was just as grateful for life as I am today, I was also incredibly anxious about the weeks ahead. After a Spring filled with doctor’s appointments, testing, and probing, I received confirmation that I had breast cancer. A few weeks later, I would undergo the first of two major surgeries as part of my treatment.

Never in a million years did I think I would find myself there. But there I was!

The year that followed challenged me physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways I could never have anticipated. And, as we all know, life doesn’t stop when you’re going through something hard. I still had to navigate family, career, home, relationships, highs, lows, disappointments, and everything else life brought my way — all while fighting, healing, and finding my way back to myself.

But I made it. And I’m so incredibly proud of myself.

One year later, I’m standing strong and taking on life with a renewed sense of gratitude. In fact, just this week, I saw my oncologist, who was excited to tell me that I look AMAZING and, based on our assessment, I don’t need to see her again for another six months! I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday gift.

Next month, I’ll mark this chapter of my journey by participating in the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk — this time not just as a supporter, but as a breast cancer survivor.

I’m walking for myself. I’m walking for every woman who has heard the words “you have breast cancer.” I’m walking for those still fighting, those finding their way through life after treatment, and in honor of those we’ve lost.

So, as I celebrate another trip around the sun, I’m asking my family and friends to help me turn my gratitude into something bigger. If you’d like to celebrate my birthday and this milestone with me, please consider making a donation to support my walk. Every contribution — no matter the amount — helps support breast cancer research, patient care, advocacy, and the fight for a world without breast cancer.

This birthday, I have so much to celebrate — LIFE most of all. And I’m walking forward with gratitude, strength, and hope.