Who I was walking for...

My mother - next week it will be 23 years ago that my mom received the news that she will be forever linked to breast cancer. Her doctors took aggressive treatment and surgery with her - for that Thank you for giving me 23 years (and counting) with my mother. It has been awesome to see how our relationship has grown. Love you mom - you are a true survivor.

My sister Kathryn - a 2-time survivor of osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) - a true inspiration of a fighter, an example of showing how your faith can bring you through your darkest hour, and embracing that moment in time spent with those her who were important to her (family and friends). One of her sayings - "Life is a gift and how we spend our time will determine the price tag". Though she is no longer here - she lives on in my heart and the wonderful memories we shared growing up as sisters.

My friends - this year alone - 2 of my friends (Inez and Diane) both were diagnosed with breast cancer and currently under going treatment. Other friends - sisters Jan and Nancy are breast cancer survivors; Andrew - testicular cancer survivor; Guido - lymphoma survivor.

My future - in medical terms, I now have a 1st degree family history of breast cancer and therefore it puts me in a higher risk to be diagnosed with breast cancer in the future. My mom was 44 years old when she was diagnosed, so for cancer surveillance I have been taking the proactive approach - self examinations as well as mammograms since I was 35 yrs old (for any cancers, they recommend you have your first diagnostic test done ten years prior to the earliest detection in your family). I am happy to share - all my results have been negative and clear of any lesions or masses. I walked for myself - doing my part to raise awareness of this disease that has affected my family and the donations raised will lead to a cure in the future too.