Cancer: You're going down

I am honored to be involved with the Prevent Cancer 5k Walk/Run. At the age of 15, I lost my father to stomach and esophageal cancer. Currently, at the age of 67, my mother is receiving treatment and beating breast cancer.

The word “cancer” brings up strong emotions for me. Hearing the words “I have cancer” from both of my parents still makes my heart sink. The fear of losing a loved one to cancer is my reality. Without a doubt, I can say the hardest part of the last 17 years since my father died has been replaying in my head what could have been.

I know if my father were alive today he would have loved hearing me on the radio every morning or coming into the studio and seeing me read a live teleprompter at FOX 5. Little moments like those are what cancer robs you of.

This walk means everything to me. The chance to prevent cancer before it starts or catch it early is what I hope for every family. What a gift for a 15 year old girl not to have to lose her parent to cancer but instead have them right by her side into her adulthood.

I am happy to say that my mother has responded well to treatment and just had a mastectomy one week ago. She’s doing great. The unbelievable advancement in technology and treatment is what makes me know that someday we will have a cure. For now, prevention and early detection are the best ways to insure a good outcome. I’m excited and so grateful that we can take this journey together in supporting and walking for the Prevent Cancer Foundation!!

Cancer, you better be ready cause you are going DOWN! Cheers to preventing and walking.

Register now for the Prevent Cancer 5k Walk/Run on September 21 at Nationals Park.