Tessa Naber

On May 22nd, I will be dashing in pursuit of a cure for breast cancer at the 5k Bra Dash to raise money for Wings of Karen. I want to match the sense of urgency Wings of Karen has to fund a cure, which is why I have joined. 

Please help me in raising the funds needed to drive innovative research projects so that we can be free from breast cancer.  100% of your donation will support breast cancer research locally, which will benefit all of us.  Every single penny ... amazing, right?!  Please click here  to see the distinguished researchers and their work we are supporting, that are shaping a brighter future for all.  You are part of the answer! 

Can I count on your support?

Wings of Karen is a grassroots 501(c)(3) organization that believes donors should know how their hard-earned dollars are turned into tangible hope. 

Working directly with the research community, we are getting the most mileage out of every dollar donated.  This is a race save lives, and we are dedicated to finding cures faster. With an absolute sense of urgency, we grant researchers the flexibility and permission to do the needed preliminary work, quickly and efficiently. The faster we fund and nurture these promising early ideas, the faster we will find the answers that will lead us to a cure.

There is passion behind everything we do at Wings of Karen. This passion is shaped not only by the personal battles with breast cancer by the founder of Wings of Karen, but also by the unyielding desire to reach out to all those affected by breast cancer in a positive, uplifting way, and in the process, funding the research that will find a cure.

It is a race to save lives, and every day brings a new opportunity to make a connection, energize a survivor, empower a new generation, and raise the crucial funds needed.

The 5k Bra Dash® is a celebration of what we CAN do as a community to join the fight against breast cancer.

Visit our website at www.wingsofkaren.org

I am a breast cancer survivor!

I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on October 1st, 2014, after having a very rough 4 months already, with multiple bodily injuries. I had had this blocked duct that I was advised was 'no big deal' for almost 2 years, right under the surface of my right breast, that all of a sudden one day, felt really different. I knew there was something wrong. I had an ultrasound within 5 days, a biopsy 3 days after that and my diagnosis 5 days later. Not what I was expecting or hoping for to say the least. I am a wife and mom to a then 5 & 7 year old - what was I going to tell them? There was so much going through my mind., I immediately told my husband and immediate family, then my 2 very best friends the news. I tried my best to be strong and not cry, but it happened as anyone would expect.  hen, I told everyone else.  And the support and love I received was AMAZING to say the least. I have some absolutely wonderful people in my life, near and far.

The next 3 weeks before my 1st chemo treatment were a big blur, full of too many doctor appointments and tests to even try to remember. I was scared, but I was staying positive. I was raised in a very positive thinking family and I truly believe the way you think is how your life works. I always try, even in the most daunting, low, sad moments in life, to find something positive. Things can always be worse. That was my plan for my entire years worth of treatment that I was facing - to be as positive as possible.  And with the support system I had, it wasn't very hard to do. I had 12 weeks of weekly chemo where someone from my family was ALWAYS with me. I then had 3 very long, harsh chemos before being completely done on March 20, 2015. I then had a lumpectomy surgery in April and at the end of June, when I was healed from surgery,I started my 35 radiation treatments (7 weeks) . I continued my Herceptin treatments until October 6th, 2015. That was my LAST cancer treatment., :-). YAY!!

I am now cancer free!  While I am thinking positive that I will stay that was until I'm old, I know the odds of me getting it again or some other kind of cancer are greater than those who have never had cancer before, so that is a little scary. I so hope we can find a cure for ALL cancer.