My Daddio has been battling Stage IV Squamous Cell Carcinoma since 2020. He's had 8 surgeries (hoping yesterday’s surgery was his LAST one), countless doctors appointments/hospital visits, and one awful + long hospital stay.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣He began his treatment in Albany and after a bleak outlook, he pivoted his treatment to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. He was accepted into a clinical trial for cancer patients who have had organ transplants. My dad has Polycystic Kidney disease + received his kidney in 2001. It is believed that the long term side effects of his anti-rejection/life sustaining drugs are why my dad developed this cancer.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣Over the last year, my parents have driven to Boston every 3-4wks, like clockwork. The first night we have a nice/fun dinner, then it's 1-2 days of treatments and appointments. We like to mix in crafts, comedies, naps, walks, and Storyworth prompts (since they clearly aren't doing it on their own time).

⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣I am grateful for this time I have with my parents, although I wish it was under different circumstances. I am thankful for all the time I have with my dad.⁣⁣⁣

The team in charge of my dad's care at Dana Farber and the treatment he has received since joining the clinical trial has been outstanding.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣These last 2 years have been hard for me to think about, talk about, and now, write about. My Daddio is my confidant, my mentor, and the funniest/most resilient guy I know. I am so proud of him.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣My Daddio inspired me to apply to the Haymakers for Hope (H4H) Belles of the Brawl event! On October 12th, myself and 31 other women in Boston will be fighting in our first sanctioned boxing event to raise money for cancer research. The fundraising goal of this event is $500K! I will be funneling my donations to Dana Farber.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣I'm doing this for my dad, my Papito, my friends + family members who have been on similar journeys with their loved ones, and ultimately everyone everywhere impacted by this disease.⁣ ⁣⁣

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