Hello! My name is Diana Mallayeva and I am honored to be part of the fight to K.O. cancer this year! I am a full time student at CU Denver studying Finance and Marketing with a minor in Music Business, as well as the owner of my own event production company and massage therapy company! I was raised in New York City after my family immigrated to the US as refugees from Uzbekistan, and I moved to Denver six years ago to pursue a career in Music Business. I am currently starting the process of applying to law schools to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming an Entertainment Lawyer! 

I wanted to join the fight against cancer due to how many loved ones I've had in my life diagnosed with cancer, and seeing how resilient and strong they were in their personal fights against it. I am so incredibly grateful to say that most of my loved ones have made it to remission, but it is absolutely devastating to think about what could have happened had there not been adequate funding and research devoted to making sure cancer did not take them away too soon. It has been so inspiring watching their strength and courage and has been a huge influence in my life to face challenges with grace, strength, determination, and optimism. This year, I am excited to go through my own challenge by pushing myself to my absolute limit physically, mentally, and emotionally through the training period for this event by channeling the strength of those who have inspired me. I am honored to be able to contribute to the fight against cancer and potentially help save the lives of others loved ones with the money we raise.

In addition, I am fighting in order to face my own struggle with mental health. Throughout COVID, I have taken big steps to self-reflect and make difficult changes in order to confront and overcome my struggles with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. This year, I am excited to take the steps to do the same with my physical health, and have made a promise to myself to be in the best physical shape of my life this year and into the rest of my 30's and beyond.  I am a big believer in radical responsibility, and that no matter what cards you are dealt, it is ultimately your responsibility to create the best life possible for yourself and show up for yourself. This will be by far the most grueling physical challenge I have ever set for myself and I am excited to push myself to my fullest physical potential. By participating in this fight, I am not only showing up for all of the people that have impacted me, but also showing up for myself and giving myself the same love and respect I would give to any of the wonderful individuals that have inspired me along the way. This journey is not only a journey of giving back to the community but also a radical act of self-love, by making myself a commitment to be the best person I can be both in health and mindset.  I hope that with my participation, I will be able to make this world a better place for all of us, starting from within! 

My total fundraising goal is $25,000 to #KOcancer! First minigoal: $7500! Let’s crush it!