I am dedicating my Haymakers for Hope experience to my brother, Mike, my grandmother, Nana, and my mother, Diane. 

I’ll never forget that cold Saturday afternoon in January when my 31 year old younger brother, Mike, stopped in for an unexpected visit at my house.  Very much out of character to just stop by from Boston, he said there was something he needed to tell us. That something was that he had cancer.  We were overcome with disbelief and sadness while trying to be positive and supportive.  We were all afraid and uncertain of what was ahead.  The next 4 months of strong chemotherapy treatments for Mike battling his testicular cancer were intense and trying for him, as well as my mom, who was his #1 caregiver.  And for anyone that knows my mother, you know this meant A+ care and then some.  The daily 4 hour long treatments at Dana Farber, side effects and round the clock care was, to put it mildly, a roller coaster ride for them both.  At this time in my life, I was working full time, had a 6 month old infant and 5 year old.  Even on my most overwhelming days of being a mom and working full time, I would think to myself that this is nothing compared to what my brother and mother are dealing with right now.  

Similarly in September of 2006, following my July wedding celebration, my 83 year old Nana was diagnosed with cancer for a 2nd time in her life.  She survived breast cancer in 1985 and was now facing a diagnosis of pelvic bone cancer.  Hard to comprehend having just seen her live it up dancing the Jitterbug with my grandfather on that fun July night just a few months prior.  Again, it was my mom who stepped up to the plate and cared for Nana day in and day out with chemo/radiation appointments and home care.  Mom made every effort to limit Nana’s exposure to other people as her age and weakened immune system were not on her side.  

I’m so grateful to say both my brother and Nana survived their cancer battles that challenged them, but cancer undoubtedly changed their lives and our family’s lives forever. 

Today I am just thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this event and play a role in the fight against cancer.

Thank you for your support!