Joining Haymakers For Hope (H4H) is the biggest mental and physical challenge to date that I have chosen to be a part of.  But the difference between the battle I will undergo on September 29 and the battle that many face with cancer, is that I chose to be here.  .

Cancer has affected my family and friends in several ways over the last 15 years, both personally and professionally.

Joan Soens, my mother-in-law lost a short and aggressive fight with lung cancer in 2008.

My lovely girlfriends, Dee and Polly, both diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40.  They both are doing well now but had to undergo the life-altering experience for them and their families.

My college roommate, Kaylen, lost her dad suddenly after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. 

My father-in-law, Mike Soens, is currently undergoing treatment for stage 2 lung cancer.  He is fighting the good fight and the odds are in his favor, but he has a tough road ahead.  His chemo treatments coincide with my training period for H4H.

I joined Boston Scientific in 2011 I have been a part of innovating, developing, marketing, training and educating on a variety of digestive cancers.   I am passionate about early colorectal cancer detection – we have a huge opportunity to not only raise awareness for the importance of screening colonoscopies (age 45+) but also for more minimally invasive treatment.  Interventional Endoscopists are now able to remove early-stage cancers endoscopically, through organ preserving, outpatient procedures – compared to invasive, life-altering surgeries.  We also dedicate an incredible amount of effort to ensuring there are better tools to diagnose, treat, and unfortunately palliate patients who experience a range of biliary diseases – including cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer more easily.  Working at BSC has been a privilege, and I am honored to be a part of supporting advancing patient care.

Thank you for supporting me as we raise funds that will benefit Dana Farber and Haymakers!