In April 2010, just days before my wedding, I was diagnosed with breast cancer (DCIS). Fortunately, the cancer was caught very early, still the reality of having cancer - especially since I had lived a relatively healthy life up until that point - was extremely upsetting (and gave a whole new meaning to my wedding vows, "in sickness and in health").

In the nine years that have passed, I've known far too many people in my life - acquaintances, friends, and family members, including my mother and husband, who have been diagnosed with some sort of cancer. Some have sadly passed away, others are now thankfully cancer-free, yet there are others who are in the midst of their battles. 

My participation in the Belles of the Brawl VII, is my opportunity to DO something, and have an IMPACT! I am raising funds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute in gratitude for the wonderful treatment and I received from Dr. Mehra Golshan, Dr. Charles Hergrueter, and the dozens and dozens of DF staff I've encountered during my many appointments over the past nine years.

The next four months are likely to be some of the most difficult ones I've ever gone through, but I know the journey that lies ahead pales in comparison to what I went through nine years ago.