July 31st marked ten years without my sister, Kathi. Some days it feels like it was 100 years ago, and other days it feels like yesterday. I made her a few promises before she left...one of them was to not stop raising money and awareness until there was an end to this horrible disease.

I've kept that promise. Since 2012, y'all have helped me raise $224,873.77!! That is something to be so proud of! In 2019, I was given the Komen Milestone Award. This year, I was asked to be a part of the Komen Leadership Council for Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. And just recently, I was asked to be Nashville More Than Pink Walk Chairperson! I know my sister is smiling somewhere at the work we've done and continue to do. She's also probably laughing since I was NOT the person who wanted to walk or ask for donations, ever! But when you make your sissy a promise, especially if she's anything like mine was...you keep your promise.

I might not break any fundraising records this year as I am also raising money for the Nashville More Than Pink Walk. Although it's not 60 miles in 3 days, it's important to me as their Chairperson to raise money locally for one year. Also important because I for one have benefited from others raising money for the local Komen organization. When I lost my health insurance, it was my local Komen chapter who made sure I had mammograms taken care of to ensure my health. {You are more than welcome to split up any donations between my 3-day walk and my Nashville walk! Please contact me for the Nashville link if you're interested in doing that!}

Breast cancer can be eradicated from our lives. I believe that with all my heart. My sister lost her battle to triple negative breast cancer. We had never even heard of it when they gave her the diagnosis. There is so much research that is being done, but so much more that needs to be…so that no one has to say goodbye to their sister, their mother, their friend…or even their dad. I thank you in advance for helping me in my war against breast cancer and in keeping my promise to my sissy alive.

Much love and gratitude,

Riley