In May of 2023, while celebrating Mother's day, I received the call that I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Breast Cancer. It is a phone call I never thought I'd have, and words I never thought I would hear. I was 35 years old, with a 1.5 year old toddler, husband and full career. Cancer changed all of our lives in an instant and has challenged our future hopes and dreams. I went from an active lifestyle (hiking, camping, orange theory, biking, chasing a toddler) to survival. I completed a bilateral mastectomy in June, a round of IVF in July (with 2 successful frozen embryos!) and began my long term treatment in August; 5 years of ovarian suppresion and estrogen blockers. I completed final breast reconstruction surgery in September.

 I am extremely fortunate to have discovered my cancer myself, had providers that took my concerns seriously and referred me for a mammogram even though I didn’t necessarily fit the criteria. I am the most lucky, unlucky person to have gotten cancer, but gotten an extremely treatble kind.

With the test results, waiting, and surgeries behind me, I'm managing my new normal and side effects. My future, and my family’s future is certainly different, with the fear of reoccurrence always present. But I am back on my feet and ready to take back what little control I have on my body and health. Running has been a lifelong hobby and I'm excited to take it further by running for a cause.

I'm participating to inspire hope for those facing cancer and raising money to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone. I'm particpiating to promote advocacy for young breast cancer and its complexities. 

The funds I'm raising will sustain critical research and provide services for people trying to cope with their cancer experience. For Breast Cancer patients, the future is bright- there are many trials, vaccines and advances coming, but funds needed. Please help support our cause.