I’m participating in the 2026 MK5K in memory of my mom, Melissa “Missie.” ?

My mom passed away from cancer on May 14, just one month and one day before what would have been her 68th birthday. This grief is still incredibly new, and when I decided to participate in this year’s MK5K supporting the Mary Kay Ash Foundation, I knew exactly who every one of these miles would be for.

Miles for Missie.
For Hope. For Memories. For Healing.

For hope that continued research brings better treatments, more answers & ultimately cures for cancers affecting women.

For memories of my mom, the life she lived, the people she loved & all the pieces of her that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

And for healing, not only for my own heart and my family, but for women and families walking through cancer and for survivors of domestic violence who are rebuilding their lives.

Both parts of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation’s mission are deeply personal to me. As the daughter of a woman I lost to cancer and as a two-time survivor of domestic violence, I don’t have to imagine why this work matters. I’ve lived it.

As an Ambassador for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation, I’ve made a commitment to raise at least $500 each year to help further its mission. This 5K is part of that promise.

If you would like to walk alongside me in a different way, I would be incredibly grateful for your donation. No amount is too small. You can also help simply by sharing my fundraising page with someone else.

This year, I’ll walk these miles with my mama on my mind and a whole lot of purpose in my heart.

For Hope. For Memories. For Healing.
For Missie. ?