In 2003 the neighborhood I lived in petitioned successfully to have my family evicted from the trailer we lived in.  The fundamental years of my life were chaotic times as I had parents who suffered from both mental illness and addiction. There are some people close to me who may dislike the information I am sharing with you, but this is my story. Confusion and fear were the norm for my lifestyle living in such an environment.  Not able to predict when police would be at your door, not knowing if the ones I love would be physically secure by the end of the day, and not knowing how you would be treated from one day to the next was normal for my siblings and myself.  At 11 years old my siblings and I were put in state custody and separated between family members. We were fortunate enough to have family who cared for our well being.  A couple years later the family decided it would be best for all of us to live together and the strongest person I know to this day took us in.  After raising four children of her own while working and receiving two college degrees, she decided she would raise us.  It was not easy for any of us, especially for my grandmother the saint that she is.  We all lived with PTSD and were not aware of who we were/why we felt the way we did.  Nevertheless, life goes on.  Struggling with the many emotions and insecurities I had growing up I managed to achieve a great amount.  My grades were not the best, but I was the captain of my football and lacrosse teams, as well as the president of my class from sophomore to senior year.  All appeared well at school, but my grandmother was the one who had to deal with the temper tantrums, nightmares, and depression I displayed at home.  

I was fortunate enough to get into Suffolk University and study abroad in Madrid, Spain for four semesters.  I learned a great deal and thoroughly enjoyed my time there, but my depression was no better and because it was legal to drink at 18 in Europe my tantrums became worse.  There were two occasions I was close to getting into trouble and risked being sent back to the states.  When I got back to America, my depression intensified greatly.  I was back at home with my family, working and going to school, but I was also smoking and drinking intensely.  My grandmother had a scare as she was in the hospital for a period of time due to medical reasons, and the smoking/drinking did not assist my situation whatsoever. With the pressure I put on myself, I also stopped taking my anti-depressant medication and ended up in the psychiatric ward for my 21st birthday, and remained there for a couple of weeks.  A year after that, I intentionally drove my car into a telephone pole, took out a street light, broke my nose, and lost a few teeth.

There are numerous "close calls" I experienced and through years of therapy and self discovery, I am happy to say that I made it through those close calls and am loving life at 25 years old.  Depression is not something that can be turned on or off, and it is a fight I continue to train for every day both physically and mentally.  Life does not get any easier either, you can only do your best to prepare yourself for the next hit that comes at you. 

Luckily enough, cancer has not affected my family greatly.  To the best of my understanding, like depression, cancer does not discriminate.  There are people with similar stories to mine and harsher who have to deal with cancer either within themselves or the ones they love.  My best friend's mother Maria, who has treated me like family over the years is currently recovering from bladder cancer. I am here to fight in her name and the ones who sometimes do not have the opportunity to fight given their circumstances. It is Maria's wish that people know bladder cancer can be a consequence of second hand smoking.  She would also like anyone listening to understand how important advocacy, support, and family are during such a difficult process.  

I have yet to know someone who does not have a loved one affected by cancer in some way.  No fight is too small, no heart can be too big.  If you have made it this far down the page I appreciate the time you have taken to listen.  If you have the money to spare, no donation is too small and I would tremendously appreciate your help in knocking out cancer.  Peace and love.    

 

"We give everyday men and women the opportunity to fight back against this terrible disease by training for, and competing in charity boxing events to raise money and awareness. To prepare for each event, we combine the efforts of the first time amateur boxing participants, local boxing gyms and volunteers. We hope to help give life saving researchers the resources needed to fully focus their efforts on finding a cure."