Cancer isn’t just a disease to me—it’s a thread that’s run through my life, touching the people I love most. It’s tested my family and friends, brought us closer in some ways, and left empty spaces in others. I’m running the OC Half Marathon for the American Cancer Society because this cause is personal, and I want to turn my story into something that helps others.
Cancer hit close to home when my mom faced breast cancer. Thankfully, she’s still here—a survivor I’m endlessly grateful for. My few friends have fought their own battles, too, and came out the other side. These wins are the light I hold onto, proof that hope can win.
But cancer doesn’t always let us keep the ones we love. My stepmom, who meant so much to us, endured many years of treatment, but finally was taken by this disease way to soon, leaving a void I still feel after almost 20 years. And then there were our dear friends—people who brought joy to every moment of our lives. Too many to name. Losing them to cancer broke my heart in ways I can’t fully explain. Each loss drives me to fight back.
Every mile I run is for them—the survivors like my mom, and the ones I’ve lost. The American Cancer Society matters to me because it’s working for more victories, more research, and fewer goodbyes. Your donation isn’t just a number—it’s a chance for someone else’s family to hold onto their loved ones a little longer. Help me raise $500 to push cancer further out of our lives, one step at a time. Thank you for joining me in this fight.
