Dear family and friends,

It's hard to believe that it's been nearly four years since my breast cancer diagnosis. 2016 was a brutal year for me. I know we all share in the pain that has dominated 2020. As someone who has come back from some terribly low points in life, I still have optimism.

I almost didn't continue my fundraiser this year. I know many are struggling, and most who can spare a donation are trying to save our country from the existential threat formerly known as the GOP. As part of my commitment to the fight for our democracy, I will make a donation to Swing Left, a grassroots organization that helps Democrats win key elections, in appreciation of everyone who makes a donation to this fundraiser.

I decided to continue this effort because several friends reached out about making their annual donation in support of breast cancer research. They know that when they contribute through me, they are part of making the country's leading breast cancer research possible. 100 percent of donations made here will fund breast cancer research being led by Dr. Sara Hurvitz at UCLA (your dollars won't go as far with most other charities because of their overhead expenses). Check out the photo gallery to read a recent letter from Dr. Hurvitz describing the latest advances in her exciting research. 

I don't have to tell you that 1 in 8 women develop breast cancer or that over 42,000 Americans die of this insidious disease every year. You know these grim statistics, and you'll see reminders of them this month.

Too often, breast cancer treatment drains life from the living. At age 43, I am often too tired to play with my kids. My body aches like that of a woman twice my age. My memory often fails me. I gave my all to the fight to live. I will never look back and wonder if I could have done more. I am immensely grateful for every day. But the truth for me and most of my "breasties" is that our quality of life has taken a major hit. We endure a great deal of pain, and physical, mental, and emotional struggles due to treatments we need to stay alive. In addition to pioneering life-saving therapies, Dr. Hurvitz and her team are focused on making less toxic forms of treatment available to patients.

This fundraiser is one of my proudest accomplishments. Together, we have raised over $65,000 for UCLA breast cancer research since 2017. Once again, a generous donor whom I've never met has been inspired by our endeavor and agreed to match this year's donations up to $12,000. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Hatley family, who also contributed a $10,000 matching grant last year. 

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation, which will be matched. It fills me with strength to be reminded every year of the army that still stands with me against breast cancer. As always, when your family members, friends and neighbors are diagnosed with this disease (we all seem to know far too many people who are affected by it), I am here for them. It's how I stand with my army of breasties and honor the memory of my dear friend, Nadin Zargarian. 

Much love and hope for better times to come.

Kaye