Everyone has been touched by cancer, even if we didn’t know it. Whether it’s your best friend, your neighbor, the person serving your food, an immediate family member, your cherished pet, or even ourselves, we are all in it together. This means more must be done. Life costs, but if you’re battling cancer or helping someone battle, daily expenses are extreme for some. The cost of treatment, transportation, home or in unit care and if you’re the one battling cancer, how can you work to afford just living expenses?

As the New Patient Coordinator at Advocate Crystal Lake infusion center, this fight is near and dear to my heart as I see the effects daily, and the personal costs as I have lost close friends and family members to this relentless disease. This is why I’m personally thankful that the 11th Annual  Purple Plunge Challenge is approaching. 

On March 7, 2026, I will be joining my fellow advocates, families and friends, and I encourage you to join me in my pursuit to help fight the limiting effects of daily life for cancer patients. Big and small, young and old, each of us needs to take the plunge in support of raising much needed funds for our pursuits to help those fighting every day. Whether it’s in person or through donation, you are needed in this fight with me.

Your encouragement and support are very important to me, that water will be cold and your attention to this battle will be warming. This year my birthday will be spent hoping to raise these much needed funds to help with food, transportation, even the light bill. So please join me in shining a light on helping others in need.