This walk is very personal. 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
4 years ago, my friend and swimming partner Andrea Sonan was diagnosed with breast cancer.
This year, my friend and swimming partner Victor Maldonado lost his girlfriend, Alicia A. Figueroa Llinas to breast cancer.
I am honored to be joining Victor and Andrea on October 2 in Alicia’s memory.
I am also walking with Victor and Andrea in appreciation for my swimming community, which has been an amazing support. Swimming is what keeps me grounded, but at times, the side effects from the cancer treatment have reduced or inhibited my ability to swim. Andrea, as well as other teammates of ours, have had similar challenges, and it was so helpful to not be going through it alone. These days, I’m swimming strong and am grateful for every stroke I can take.
Lastly, I am proud to be raising money for Dana Farber where I am fortunate to have received all of my cancer care. Andrea and Alicia also received valuable care from Dana Farber. And when my father’s prostate cancer resurfaced and he needed to return to treatment last year, he became a patient there as well.
It’s been a long journey with many difficult moments, but my team at Dana Farber has been beyond amazing – and not just because they are a top cancer center with excellent medical care. They truly partner with patients, attending to physical and emotional well-being, and keeping patient needs and wishes at the center of every decision.
Please join me in supporting Dana Farber's incredible work providing care and pushing cancer research forward.
