I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in March of 2012.  

That year was a blur to me as it became a journey of chemo, surgery and radiation.   But I had a goal then to be complete with the treatment that year, and I had my last radiation treatment Decembr 30, 2012!

In October of 2013 I was one year from surgery and still cancer free, so I decided to carry a tourch in the Illuminations procession to celebrate. I had no idea what a wonderful experience this would be.  I found myself standing at the center of the bridge over Waterplace Park basin, looking at the ring of flames held my Breast Cancer survivors, caregivers and supporters, and I found myself crying.  It was a very moving, cleansing experience for me. I decided then that at my 5year "cancer-versary" I would carry the tourch again to celebrate.

So in Janury of this year, I marked the calender for September 30 to celebrate!  But then in March of this year, my sister was diagnosed with Breast Cancer!  I know sisters share everything, but this was too much!  It was like de ja vu for me...  her timeline for diagnosis and treatment was following almost the same timeframe as mine 5 years ago!  Thankfully it is now August, her chemo is done and she is doing well going into her last phase of treatment.  She is also on track to be finished before the end of this year! 

I decided to carry the torch for Flames of Hope this year in honor of both of us -- me being 5 years cancer free and my sister completing her treatment - SURVIVORS TOGETHER! 

Thank you for your support and generosity.  if you have never been to waterfire, I encourage you to come down and join us on September 30!  It is a very moving experience to see so many Breast Cancer survivors, caregivers, family members and supporters celebrating with Flames of Hope!