On September 5th, an hour past my 19th birthday, my mother lost her battle to breast cancer.  Two weeks later, I left for my first year of college with my memories and a strength instilled in me by a woman who would never give up and a father who taught me to always give back. My mom, Riitta Smith, was diagnosed at the age of 41 and fought the disease for several years, conquered it, only to have it return seven years later.  She died at the young age of 48, only two years after my father lost his battle to stomach/esophagus cancer. My sister, Milena, is now a survivor! For years I have been looking for a way to honor my amazing parents and to strike back against cancer. I have wanted to show my support for friends and family members who have also battled breast cancer, while also supporting research to end this disease.  The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days that supports research, scientific programs and community-based breast health and education programs for those facing breast cancer. This cause holds my heart…
I walk for my mom, Riitta; my sister, Milena; my mother-in-law, Kathryn Leonard; my  aunt, Marja-Liisa Callaghan; my grandmother, Irene Smith; my husband's aunt, Barbara Nelson, and my sister's mother-in-law, Terri Schroeder; and my dear friend, Adrian Alshin who have all battled breast cancer, as well as many family friends.  It is a fight that has touched so many family members and friends in my life that I can no longer sit idle and watch.
I will walk for my sister, a survivor; my mother, who battled the disease; I will walk for my children, who will never meet or realize the beauty of their grandmother; I walk for those who are unable to walk or are no longer with us.
Please support me as I take an amazing journey in the fight to end breast cancer. This is my fight to honor the people who I love and who have made such an impact on my life.
I'm raising money so that no one needs to lose another loved one. Please consider making a donation to support my goal. This next November, with my sister, Milena, I hope to take on my memories and create a positive legacy for those I love.