
I lost my girlfriend, Alicia Figueroa Llinas, to metastatic breast cancer this year. Mother, daughter, friend, respected labor lawyer and soulmate, Alicia had a smile that could light up any room she walked into. But after a 2 1/2 year fight with triple negative breast cancer, Alicia passed away this past June. During treatment Alicia, who lived in Puerto Rico, traveled to Dana Farber on two ocassions to get a second opinion on her diagnosis and treatment. Alicia marveled at how the staff at Dana took her situation so personally. She loved the fact that they not only were treating women like her but were actively researching cures for cancer. So I am walking in support of this incredible organization and in support of all it does to beat this horrible disease.
I am also walking for two of my team mates, Andrea Sonan and Amy Schneider, who are breast cancer survivors. Amy and Andrea have been teammates of mine (swim mates) for many years at Charles River Swim Masters. I remember telling Alicia early in her treatment about the fact that I swam (and was routinely beaten) by two female cancer survivors. She smiled and said "son unas guerreras" (they are warriors). So I am walking for these two warriors as well.
Please support Team Alicia as we hope to make a significant donation to Dana Farber in Alicia's memory.