It’s pretty simple -- I fight for my dad. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2009 and passing away in 2013, he continues to have a profound effect on my life. His absence reminds me to take chances with things that seem scary, from getting my motorcycle license to graduate school to this very fight.

The pace of cancer research can amaze but also frustrate. I often wonder what my life (and more importantly, my dad’s) would be if the treatments available in 2013 had been available in 2009. My hope in participating in Belles of the Brawl is that the story for another girl and her father will have a different ending than mine -- and that is why I fight.