Here comes my 4th World Major Marathon!
But what matters more to me than my 4th star? This time I am directly funding BRCA research. Can you believe this unicorn of an opportunity?! I am raising funds to the very research that could change the course for my children and all the children of high risk families. PINCH ME!
I would love nothing more than for my community to help me on my mission to raise funds and awareness so that someday my daughters have better options than breast amputations and surgical menopause in their 30s.
My cancer story
Cancer came into my life when I was a little girl. In the 90's my mom and her two sisters were all diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2005 my aunt Kathy died from breast and ovarian cancer. In 2006, at 20 years old, a red flag went up when I was diagnosed with melanoma. In 2011, at 25 years old, it was recommended I get tested for the BRCA mutation. It came at no surprise when I tested positive for BRCA1, what shocked me the most was the way I felt inside, knowing I am like a walking ticking time bomb. "Not if, when" is what my oncologist said. This mutation meant an 87% risk of breast cancer and a 60% risk of ovarian cancer. This also meant from 25 years old and now, I have had biopsies, mammograms, MRIs, CT scans, bloodwork, ultrasounds, physical exams all to monitor if anything has changed yet. This anxiety has been incredibly difficult to cope with, knowing if I don’t take action at the right time the rug could be pulled from underneath us all at any moment.
With the birth of my daughter, it became clear, I did not want my Siena growing up with the same fears I grew up with. I wanted to reduce my risk. So in 2015, I made the commitment to myself and to my family I would do whatever it takes to stay ahead of this genetic mutation. I wanted this next generation to feel empowered to take action. It was time for surgery. But surgery is a permanent decision and a massive trade off with lots of sacrifices to quality of life. I needed a distraction. I decided to run the Chicago marathon for a charity that was supporting other high risk women like me. Many of you gave to Bright Pink in 2015. My sister, Vanessa, ran alongside me for the Chicago marathon to make sure I never felt alone (years later she too tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation). In 2016, days after my 30th birthday, I underwent a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. My breast cancer risk is now under 5%. I have since given birth twice and we have 3 beautiful children. Our family is complete.
On October 3, 2022, I reduced my risk of ovarian cancer. This was the final prophylactic surgery I can do to reduce my risk. Siena, Emilia and Roman can know I have done whatever I can to be around to watch them grow up.
Because of your generosity, together we raised over $31,000 when I ran the 2023 Boston Marathon. I have a lofty goal of surpassing $30,000 again. This time every single dollar goes directly to the research that provides hope for high risk families like mine.
It's not lost on our family how incredible you have been to support us. Not only do we dream about crossing the finish line, but we truly dream of a brighter future for the next generation. So we are asking for RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.
I have a greater mission in the way we provide social emotional support to women who experience these traumas…but I digress… we are onto that finish line.
One hundred percent of every dollar raised by TEAM GENErational War supports BRCA research by Dr. Judy Garber at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. These funds are fueling some of today's most promising cancer research for hereditary cancer.
Thank you for your support! Many of you have been there from the beginning. It doesn't get lost on me how supportive you have been to me and to my family. Together, we're headed toward the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer. I’m sending you love and my deepest gratitude. This isn’t just a race. It’s so much more.
