Please support me as I commit to an incredible challenge. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days.

It will be hard, but it’s not as hard as breast cancer. It’s not as hard as 6 breast biopsies, 1 liver biopsy, 6 rounds of chemo, 28 radiation treatments, a double mastectomy, 7 lymph nodes removed, or reconstructive surgery. It’s not as hard as not being able to pick up your toddler for almost 100 days as you recover from it all.

I’ve had the diagnosis, the scans, biopsies, chemo, radiation, multiple surgeries, and side effects, but believe it or not, I am lucky, fortunate, and privileged.  Living in Chicago, I have access to one of the top women’s hospitals in the country with amazing doctors, nurses, and staff.  I have not had to worry about one medical bill and how it will affect my family and future because I have great insurance.  I have not had to worry about how I will get to and from appointments because I have an incredible support system of family and friends.  I have not had to worry about my career or employment status due to all the appointments, treatments, surgeries, and recovery time because I have an employer that has allowed unbelievable flexibility.  The chemo drugs for my type of breast cancer are very effective, hard, but effective and I am currently cancer free.  It tears me apart to say it, but others are not so lucky. 

And that’s why I know I have to do this. That’s why I commit. That’s why I’m walking and why I’m raising money – to end breast cancer forever and support those who have not been as lucky as I have been.