My name is Mik, and I am honored to be fighting for Haymakers for Hope.

Cancer has been a part of my story for most of my life. When I was in 7th grade, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, my family was navigating a busy season of life with my mother returning to school to become a nurse, two siblings in college, and another in private high school. Then, in an instant, everything changed. Watching someone you love receive a cancer diagnosis at such a young age teaches you how quickly life can change and how a single conversation can alter the course of an entire family's future. It was my first real experience seeing the strength, resilience, and support that a cancer journey requires.

As I got older, cancer continued to impact the people around me. Friends' parents were diagnosed. Some won their battles, and some heartbreakingly did not. One family's journey, in particular, left a lasting impact on me. While working as a nanny for a family that I remain very close with today, I watched Jamie, the children's father, fight his own battle with cancer. Witnessing their family's strength, resilience, and determination during such a difficult time reinforced how many lives are affected when one person receives a diagnosis. It was through supporting their family that I was first introduced to Haymakers for Hope, and it inspired me to become even more involved in supporting families facing similar challenges.

For most of my life, I've been the person behind the scenes helping others raise money. From being part of the top fundraising Relay For Life youth team for several years, to supporting Haymakers for Hope and Marisa's Mission, helping raise funds for families battling cancer, supporting local youth organizations, and helping friends reach their fundraising goals, I've spent years organizing events, securing donations, collecting raffle items, finding sponsors, and rallying the community around important causes. The fundraising was never about me—it was always about helping someone else.

Today, for the first time, I have the opportunity to step into the arena myself.

Over the next several months, I will be training for one of the biggest challenges I have ever taken on. While the physical challenge is significant, my motivation comes from something much bigger than the fight itself. As a wife and mother to a beautiful daughter, I understand more than ever how precious time with family is. My hope is that one day fewer families will have to hear the words, "Is it treatable?" and that more families will have the opportunity to focus on making memories together instead of facing the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

This fight is about honoring my mother's journey, supporting families like Jamie's, remembering those we have lost, standing beside those who are currently fighting, and proving to myself that if children and adults can endure the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment, I can push myself through months of training to help make a difference.

Every donation made through this campaign supports Haymakers for Hope and its mission to provide funding, hope, and resources to those impacted by cancer. I am grateful for every contribution, share, and word of encouragement along the way.

Thank you for supporting my journey, supporting Haymakers for Hope, and most importantly, supporting families affected by cancer.