Several years ago my mom's oldest sister was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. She was in her early 50's. She was a survivor for over 20 years. In 2005 she passed away to other natural causes and I picked up my banner and started fighting for the cause. But it happened during a season in our lives that had us weary of being touched by cancer. For the past 9 years, it has been someone almost every year who did not survive. 2001 - First cousin (mom's nephew) colon cancer, 2001-Uncle (mom's brother) stomach cancer, 2004-first cousin (mom's nephew) colon cancer, 2006- sister in law (survived) breast cancer, 2007- family friend – uterine cancer, 2007- aunt (mom’s baby sister) breast cancer, Jan 2008 - cousin (mom's first cousin) lung cancer, June 2008 - aunt (mom's sister) breast cancer. We were devastated. So when I was diagnosed in November of 2009 emotions ran deep. I had all kinds of mixed emotions. I was angry that we hadn't found a vaccine to prevent cancer yet. But I knew I had to fight. My official diagnosis was stage II, triple negative malignant carcinoma, in-situ.

What did it mean? It meant I had breast cancer that had not spread, but it was a triple negative and is one of the most aggressive so it could not be treated with hormones. My course of treatment began right away. I was blessed to have great comprehensive medical coverage and wonderful doctors. I endured surgery - lumpectomy Nov 17, 2009. A series of 6 chemotherapy treatments - Dec 2009 through April 2010. And 33 rounds of radiation therapy - May 2010 through July 2010. It was harsh, but I endured. It is my goal to help in every way that I can to enlighten others and help raise funds to get the research done that will lead to a world with no more cancer. I don't want another family to endure what we have gone through.