One day you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you are going through now and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.

I have four appointments at Northwestern this month.

Today was, by far, my favorite.

Today, I got to share my story and celebrate my survivorship as part of Northwestern’s “Faces of Cancer.”

Although there are days when I wish I could put the memories of all that I endured throughout my cancer treatment, the truth is, overcoming cancer is a big part of my story—and that story has the power to not only help me heal, but others too.

When you get diagnosed with cancer you hear a lot of things.

Things you can expect like side effects and hair loss.

You hear your treatment options and how much it will cost.

You hear your odds of remission or your chances of survival.

But what matters most out of all those things is hearing the stories of other cancer survivors.

Knowing that they made it to the other side of this terrible storm, gives you hope you will too.

That’s why I’m incredibly honored to be able to be a part of Northwestern’s Cancer Survivors’ Walk & 5K.

This annual event holds a special place in my heart because the thought of celebrating being a cancer survivor with my family helped me push through my treatments.

I remember the first time I saw the event flyer while I started chemo in early 2018.

I told myself I’m going to walk in this event in June as a SURVIVOR.

It was big dream because I was still scheduled to be in active treatment until August.

Thanks to the success of my immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatments I was cancer free on May 1, 2018. Although I had chemo just days before and was still in active treatment, I was able to walk with my family and close friends. Crossing that finish line hand in hand with my oldest daughter Ava is a feeling I will never forget.

Northwestern’s Cancer Survivors’ Celebration 2018

This year is extra special because not only will I be sharing my story but for the first time in two years I feel healthy and strong enough to run in the 5K for the first time!

Next week I have my big follow up scan. If all goes well I’ll be celebrating two years of being cancer free at this year’s event.

Please consider helping me make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families by joining me and my family on June 7th in Grant Park or supporting my fundraising goal here.

For more info on Northwestern’s annual Cancer Celebration Walk & 5K click here.

Thank you for your love and support!