First Climb With Team
I believe everything happens for a reason and that my faith in God will carry me through good times and bad.
My story of breast cancer started at an early age. I had a history of benign breast lumps that taught me the importance of monthly breast self-examinations. When I was 18 I had my first lump removed.
I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors so a career as a Park Ranger with the National Park Service made sense to me. I moved to Boulder City from Yosemite National Park in March of 2001 with my husband and children to pursue my dream of Rangering at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
View Progress
In May of 2002 I was introduced to my first Susan G. Komen Race for the cure with a team of Park Rangers committed to raising funds and awareness. I was stunned at how many pink shirts there were in the crowd. I ran the race, came home and went about my merry way. Several months later I found a lump in my breast just like the lumps I’d had before. In early November when the lump was making it difficult to wear a bra, I had it removed. Shortly after I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, stage II. Surely I couldn’t have breast cancer! I was 37 years old with a 2 and 5 year old. I had no history of breast cancer in my family, I was young, I was healthy, and I did all the right things.
Fast forward, for 10 years I have been blessed with good health and am cancer free. During this time I have run and walked in multiple Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure’s (11) and 3 Day Walks (8) with my team of faithful supporters the Dam Walkers (Hoover Dam).
As I enter into my 11th year my focus has changed sharply. I am once again supported by the Dam Walkers as we dedicate our fund raising efforts toward childhood cancer research. Did you know that for every 5 children diagnosed with cancer 1 will not survive? Did you know that of the millions upon millions of dollars raised for cancer research childhood cancer is the least funded? Now you do, and I hope you are as motivated as I am to make a difference.
To the fiercest Cancer Warrior I know, this climb is for you!
Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It’s all about
It’s all about
The climb
Keep the faith
Keep your faith
Photo of Enzo by Randy Lavasseur
