In 2016, everything in my world shifted. It wasn’t something that happened overnight or with a single moment of impact—it was a gradual unraveling that I never quite expected, even though I knew life had its way of throwing curveballs. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, it felt as if the ground beneath me had suddenly become unsteady.

What I hadn’t anticipated was how this experience would alter me, too. It forced me to re-evaluate my own life and priorities. The small stresses that used to overwhelm me suddenly seemed insignificant in comparison to the real battle my mom was facing. I learned the true meaning of resilience—watching my mom push through pain, fear, and uncertainty with a courage I hadn’t realized she had. But I also learned the importance of taking care of myself. It wasn’t enough to just be there for her—I needed to be there for me too.

Since that time, my experience has driven me to advocate for those affected by cancer, and I’ve been honored to be accepted as a Women in Blue for 2025. This opportunity allows me to stand alongside other passionate women in advocating for cancer awareness, offering support to those still fighting, and helping to drive change in how we approach treatment and support for cancer patients. It’s a cause that’s close to my heart, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others feel seen and supported in their own battles.