Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have struggled with how to tell people about my battle with breast cancer. As a young woman facing breast cancer, I often get pity and sympathy. I don't want that. I want people to be informed about their role in breast cancer prevention and so I feel it is important to tell my story. I detected my own tumor during a routine self-exam, and later found out that my tumor was undetectable on a mammogram. I did not wait to get it checked out, and lucky I didn't, as it was found to be a high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma. Based on some additional test results, which showed cancer in the contralateral breast we determined the best course of action would be a double mastectomy; additionally I decided to undergo reconstruction. Although this was a difficult decision to make, it was the best decision for my long-term survival based on my diagnosis. Not everyone has the same situation, but I think we made the best decision we could based on all the information we had. In July, I was very lucky to have a successful surgery where the entire tumor was removed with no indication of spread. It was decided that I should undergo chemotherapy, and after months of treatment… I am set to have my final treatment at the end of December.  

Although this has been a difficult thing for my husband and I to talk about, we both agree that it is important for me to tell people my story so that they act as their own first line of defense against cancer. So I ask you, please do not say, "I am sorry," but instead say, "I will take action to fight cancer." Urge those whom you care about to perform breast self-exams regularly (http://www.komennyc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=breasthealth_selfexam) and to do routine mammography. One in 8 women, and 1 in 1,000 men are at risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, and early detection is key. A routine self-exam saved my life, maybe it can save the life of someone you love.

Macmillan Cancer Support has been such a great website during this trying time. Macmillan helps answer a broad range of questions, and acts as a support for individuals and families. I have turned to Macmillan’s website time and time again during my treatment for support and to find answers to my questions. If I can raise funds for Macmillan while fighting cancer, it will make the fight worth it. If you would like to show your support for my fight, I ask that you donate as little or as much as you can to help Macmillan Cancer Support. 

I am very lucky to have so many friends and family members who have supported me through my fight.  My dear friend Ian is running his first marathon in Miami on January 25th, 2015.  He will be running to raise awareness for the importance of breast self-exams and to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Support. If supporting Ian in his run has brought you to this site, I would like to thank you so much for your support. 

Just remember the words of Rocky: 

"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place. It will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me or nobody is going to hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you're hit, it is about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!" 

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