My story began in 2000 with thyroid cancer, which meant two surgeries and treatment while raising my young boys. Fast forward to 2020, I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Within eight days I had a double mastectomy, followed by months of chemo that left me weak but determined. My faith, my family, and especially my kids and grandkids were my WHY, my reason to keep fighting. This year I celebrate 25 years since thyroid cancer and 5 years since breast cancer, grateful for my support system, my care team, and every moment with the people I love.
Click Here to Read Her Full StoryThe word “Cancer” has never been foreign to me, as I have witnessed many family members battle it throughout my life. However, I never expected to be diagnosed at just 32.
In 2024 I started experiencing pain that turned out to be a rare, aggressive desmoid tumor attached to my trapezius. After scans and biopsies I went to MD Anderson in April 2025, where Dr. Zazour explained the tumor’s size and risks and offered a plan: a chemo-pill to shrink and control it rather than risky surgery. Treatment has been hard and ongoing, but scans have shown shrinkage and stability. Watching my mom fight and losing loved ones has been heartbreaking, yet my mom and my best friend Amber keep me going — I’m not done fighting, and I’m so grateful for everyone walking this with me.
My journey with the American Cancer Society began over 25 years ago when I co-captained our hospital’s first Relay For Life team and started a support group while my sister was battling lung cancer. I’ve stayed involved ever since, even serving as State Lead Ambassador for ACS CAN, advocating in Washington, D.C. and Frankfort for funding and legislation to fight cancer. About 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with lung cancer myself—found by accident, with no symptoms and as a non-smoker. Thankfully, surgery was enough, and I didn’t need chemo or radiation. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Though I lost my sister, I carry her with me in this work, and I’m proud of the impact ACS and ACS CAN continue to make so that more people will survive in the future.
Click Here to Read Her Full StoryThe American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization improving the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
