I recently accepted the challenge to participate in the Timmerman Traverse to support Damon Runyon cancer researchers who are brilliant, brave, and bold enough to go where others haven’t.

Like so many of you, our family has been directly impacted by cancer.

My mother is a breast cancer survivor. Caught early and treated properly, my mother beat her cancer, and I am forever grateful to modern medicine. 

But not everyone in my family was so fortunate. My father was the middle child of three. When I was growing up, we spent all of our holidays and most of our vacations with his siblings and their families. Some of my fondest memories involve my aunt and celebrating Christmas at her house with my cousins. And then, in the span of 18 short months, my father lost his brother at age 46 to lung cancer and his sister at age 57 to pancreatic cancer. We were all devastated.

Cancer is a thief.

Over the last few years, I've been startled at the number of people I know - both young and old - who have been diagnosed with rare and/or aggressive cancers. Robbed of time with their families, strength to enjoy their favorite hobbies and of experiences that were part of their future plan. At a time when the NIH's research budget is being cut by 40%, we need to find new ways to support innovative cancer research and continue the pioneering work our nation is known for.

Damon Runyon is part of the solution  . . .  and I am so proud to take on this challenge for them. Please join me as I raise funds for lifesaving research.