I guess I’ve always been a fighter, it’s a part of who I am. Growing up, I was bullied by a group of mean girls in middle school. Everyday I went to school despite knowing how hard it would be. Later on I found myself fighting for underdogs and those that couldn’t fight for themselves. 

When I was 14 years old, my dear Aunt Phil succumbed to her fight with liver cancer and I was devastated. I didn’t really understand cancer and why it would take a perfectly wonderful human being and put them through hell to the point that they were no longer my recognizable aunt. I couldn’t fathom how someone so vibrant could be lost from this world in that way. Since that time, I watched my grandfather battle leukemia, my Auntie Moe (Agnes) battle ovarian cancer, my Uncle Glenn fight multiple myeloma, and a high school friend battle stomach cancer. A little over a year ago, my Aunt Pat died after a two year battle to lung cancer. The list goes on—and all of them lost.

These devastating losses have fueled my fight and my passion about beating cancer. In the past I’ve participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in New York City, I am a staunch supporter of The Julie Fund for Women's Cancers and personally rode with my husband over 100 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge for cancer research and treatment. Last year, I raised money for PurpleStride Boston 2018, the signature event of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. It is no coincidence that I work for a company that develops and markets life-saving cancer therapies available to cancer patients. 

It is the very reason why I’ve now committed to the terrifying idea of stepping into the ring as a boxer to fight this disease. I’ve NEVER done anything like this. I’m scared, but I’m going to overcome that fear – for my family and friends who’ve suffered and shouldn’t have. We can win the fight against cancer, and I’m going to be part of that victory. Join me in this fight with a donation today.