Prior to starting Physician Assistant school, I knew I wanted to work with cancer patients. It was a passion of mine that I developed working as a CNA on an oncology floor in a hospital. As a new PA-C, I worked with adult patients with blood cancers- leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. I work at a UNC Medical Center, which is an academic medical center but also state hospital. I saw firsthand the importance of clinical trials and research to further advance cancer care as I was a sub-investigator on these trials. I have transitioned my work to Palliative Care, but continue to care for the cancer population. Working at a state hospital, we care for all people, which means those who struggle to afford care, transportation, housing, etc. On a personal note, I lost my grandfather to lung cancer October 2023 after losing my grandmother in January of the same year. Because of this loss, I discovered my love of running as a way to try and heal. I signed up and completed my first half marathon at runDisney's Princess Half Marathon 2024. Through relationships I developed in the runDisney community, I was introduced to Dragon Master Initiative. I could not be more honored to represent a cause that resonates so deeply with me. A cause aimed towards getting researchers more real-time data access to further clinical trials and assist patients and families in receiving the care that they deserve. Thank you so much for your support!