Hello, Friends and Family!

Year 6 of walking in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day is underway! As my daughter Vanessa and I begin another cycle of training and fundraising, I can't help but think of my own experience with breast cancer and of the estimated 320,000 people who will receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year. Sadly, it's projected that 43,000 of these individuals will lose their battle with breast cancer before the year is over. I am walking for all of those who cannot, for all of the survivors, for their families, and for a future without breast cancer.

What is the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day? The 3-Day is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days to raise money for breast cancer research, treatment, and supportive services for breast cancer patients. Since 2003, the 3-Day has raised more than $915 million for cutting-edge research that will lead to new, more effective treatments; community support across the country to ensure all people can access the care and preventive screenings they need for early detection and treatment; and advocacy to make certain the voice of the breast cancer community, patients, and families is heard by policymakers.

How you can help. Thanks to your support over the years, I'm proud to say that I have raised $20,325.00 for this important cause. But our work is not done. I'm honored to have Vanessa walking with me again this year, for her 3rd Komen 3-Day. Our team, Two for the TaTas, would greatly appreciate your support as we raise funds and prepare to walk in the New England 3-Day in Boston on August 15-17. 

You can donate to me at the link on this page, or you can visit our team page and donate to Vanessa. Any amount will help. To better understand how your donation helps patients and families, take a minute to read this infographic: https://bit.ly/4jnZqbS.  

No one fights alone. My personal experience with breast cancer began when my mother, Mary Ann Steffl, was diagnosed for the first time with breast cancer. I was 24 and she was 55. She underwent a mastectomy but was diagnosed with breast cancer in her remaining breast a few years later. Thanks to early detection and treatment, she survived both diagnoses. That was my first brush with breast cancer, and when I first realized the impact that breast cancer, like any form of cancer, has on families. I was 54 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, my cancer was non-invasive and was detected early and successfully treated with surgery and radiation. I continue to be closely monitored by my care team at the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute, and I am happy to report that all my scans continue to come back clean. I know that I am one of the lucky ones, and for that, I am forever grateful.

No one walks alone. Participating in a fundraising event like the 3-Day is many things. It's inspiring, humbling, emotional, energizing, and educational. It is a unique opportunity to walk side by side (or single file, depending on the street situation, LOL) and hand in hand with people from all over the country, all united for a single purpose. Walking with others who are fresh out of treatment or actively in treatment delivers a healthy dose of perspective when you feel like complaining about tired feet, sore hamstrings, blisters, or a rainy day. The 3-Day mantra of "No whining" is embraced by all because, while walking 60 days is hard, it’s not as hard as breast cancer. It’s not as hard as chemo. It’s not as hard as getting bad news at your latest scan. It’s not as hard as saying goodbye. 

I can't thank you enough for your financial support over the years, and for all of my walking partners who have joined me for training walks (either in person or via phone). I hope you will consider lending your support again this year. If you have any questions about the 3-Day or how to donate, please don't hesitate to call, text, or email me. You are the best!

Wishing you a healthy, happy summer!