The greatest blessings I've received in my life are the people who make it worth living.  My family, my friends, my loved ones.  In my 35 years I have lived in 4 different countries, including this one.  During my 16 years in America, I've lived in 3 states, attended two schools, and worked more jobs than I care to count.  My experiences, both here and abroad, working, studying, and living, have all been important and cherished lessons.  Through the highs and lows of these experiences, the smiles and the tears, the laughter and harsh words, it is the people I've met along the way who stand out the most.  The people who have shown kindness, or extended a helping hand, or taught a tough lesson.  You guys make all the difference.

One of the experiences that far too many of us share is the struggle against cancer.  Whether battling personally or standing by a loved one who is or was, too many of us have had to deal with it in one way or another.  Cancer is cruel and we've all dealt with that cruelty in different ways.  I've cried, and I've cursed, and now I am going to fight.

When I step into the ring on November 15, I will be doing so with the memories of three people in particular in mind.  My Uncle Dennis was an educator, a fighter in his own right, and the reason my parents met when they did.  We weren't always as close as we could have been.  Time and distance will do that, but I recall vividly the conversations we had towards the end of his life and I miss his perspectives.  Aunt J was my second mother and maker of the best lemonade I've ever had.  She laughed easily and often and was a true nurturer.  Auntie Donna was a source of strength and wisdom.  A loving teacher.  I carry her words of advice with me always.  As I train and ultimately fight, I will also be thinking of those of you who have lost friends and loved ones to cancer.  Their fights have ended, but we continue on for them, each in our own way, round after round, until it is done.

Thank you all for fighting alongside me.