I’m fighting in this charity boxing event to honor my Grandma, or as we all called her, Grammy. She was the sweetest, most loving woman you’d ever meet, always spoiling her grandkids with love and attention. But her battle with cancer was one that changed our lives forever.

When Grammy was 53, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite having a negative mammogram, she trusted her instincts and insisted on a second opinion. That’s when doctors found the cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. As a child, I always wondered why Grammy wore a hat all the time. As an adult, I now understand it was because she had lost all her hair during treatment.

For several months, she fought hard and started feeling better. She completed her chemotherapy, and for the next five years, we celebrated her being declared “cancer-free.” Grammy was a tough cookie, and we were all so proud of her strength.

But in 2005, after several years of good health, Grammy began facing serious issues with her kidneys. Tests revealed that cancer had spread throughout her abdomen, and it was diagnosed as stage 4. Once again, she began chemotherapy, and moved closer to family so we could support her. For the next two years, despite her illness, she continued to make incredible memories with us. I will always cherish the weekends she spent with my brother and me, bringing donuts and taking us to the movies. Those simple moments are some of my fondest memories.

At the age of 66, Grammy lost her battle with cancer. She lived a full, vibrant life, and was loved by everyone who knew her. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her.

Now, I have the opportunity to fight back against the disease that took her away from me. Cancer impacts millions of people every year, and there are countless stories just like Grammy’s. With your help, we can contribute to saving lives and move closer to making cancer a thing of the past.

Please consider supporting my fight, as I fight for my Grammy and for everyone affected by cancer.