The year is 2015. I’m home from high school on my junior year's spring break, getting ready for my big school trip to London, and my parents mention they have to tell me something. I immediately knew something was wrong from the tone in their voices. As they started talking, I expected them to say something sad, but I never expected them to say that Mom found a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer. In that moment, my world stopped. The saying is true: you never really think it will affect you….. until it does.

I immediately burst into tears, told my parents I would not be going to London, and that I actually didn't want to go back to school when I returned. In tears, I listened about the journey my mom would be going on over the next year: surgery, cemo, radiation. If I was scared, I could not even imagine what my mom was feeling.

Over the next year, my mom not only fought cancer, but she also continued teaching. My mom has been an elementary teacher my entire life, and even though she was facing the biggest challenge of her life, she still showed up every day for her students and school, a true inspiration!

My mom was lucky to have access to amazing doctors at Mount Auburn, South Shore, and Cape Cod Hospital, and also fortunate to have an amazing support system at home. From friends driving her to cemo appointments, to the weekly meals people would drop off at our house, the list goes on. There are not enough thank yous to go around.

Later this year marks my mom's 10-year cancer-free anniversary, and in celebration of this milestone, she wanted to walk in the Susan G. Komen walk for a cure! My Mom, sister, and I started a team, Touch of Gray, and are excited to raise money for an incredible cause! Together, we can help find a cure for Breast cancer!

If you'd like to hear more about my mom's story, are curious about the Susan G. Komen Walk for a Cure, or are interested in the funny story behind our team name, feel free to reach out to me!