Too many people... too many hard battles... too many lives lost.  And again… too close to home.

I had planned on “hanging up my sneakers” after last year’s 60-mile event, but now I can’t. Every year it seems to be the same – there is always someone that has touched my life that is now going through what I did…and it fires me up again.  This year is no different. 

2007 - I was 37, and my kids were 7, 11, & 13, when I found a lump and heard the words “you have cancer”.   

2024 - I was 54 when I heard of a young woman that I've known for a very long time that was diagnosed with breast cancer; at age 28. 

TWENTY-EIGHT!

This could have been one of my daughters.  It wasn’t… but it was one of their best friends from elementary school.  I have a lot of memories with this young lady and I pray for her every day.  I’ve been following her progress; she’s strong, and she’s a fighter! 

Nobody should have to deal with this at 37, and definitely not at 28.  This has to stop!

Thank you for reading my “WHY in ‘25”.  I truly believe that we are all given challenges that we may “think” we can’t handle; only to find ways within ourselves to summon the strength and courage to conquer them.  With all my heart I believe that being diagnosed with cancer made me take a step back and appreciate my second chance at “life”.  I am certainly not going to waste it…

I would be deeply grateful for any donation you are able to make.   No pressure at all, I promise. 

Jen ❤