At my age my mom went through a battle much harder than getting punched in the face. In 1991, when I was 7 years old my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Early diagnosis saved her life and changed mine forever. She taught me at a young age to be a fighter. I can’t imagine life without her by my side. Cancer wins the fight against young women too often. My mom’s close friend Sue Montgomery was diagnosed around the same age, under 40 years old. After a bone marrow transplant, breast cancer took Sue’s life and I gained a forever sister Jill Montgomery. Being the same age now as my mom and Sue makes me realize just how young they both were. Every punch is for you mom and Sue and Jill. 

 

Some might say that was a long time ago…today it would be different. I wish this was true. In June 2016, my college friend, Jennie Goas Silverman was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. On May 20, 2017, at age 33, Jennie lost her battle and the world lost a beautiful sparkling spirit that will be forever missed. Jennie would undoubtedly love seeing me in boxing fight - I know she’ll be watching. Emily McClintock Addlesperger didn’t even get a chance to fight - so this fight is also for her. On July 6, 2019, Emily passed away unexpectedly of complications from ovarian cancer at age 44. Emily was on vacation in Maine with her husband. She didn’t know she had ovarian cancer. 

 

All of these beautiful women got cancer way too early in life. All of them tougher than I will ever be with so much fight in them. I’m stepping in the ring celebrating the survivors - particularly my mom who is the strongest woman I know. Every punch I throw is for those lost to this terrible disease. In honor of all mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends, let’s KO cancer in young women together. One punch at time, one round at time, one fight at a time - together we got this!