Hi friends and family!

At the end of the month, my boyfriend Bailey and some friends and family are running the SF Half Marathon in honor of my battle against breast cancer. Bailey has asked me to select a foundation in which he could fundraise, as he wants to help me although there isn't much anyone can do. After much thought, I have decided that I would LOVE for whoever feels inclined to donate to the future St. John's Dignicap Cause (they are still playing around with the name, the current front runner is Coldi Locks for Cancer)!

From my experience, like many others, so much of battling cancer is your attitude, perspective, and mental health. For me, keeping my hair while undergoing chemo has helped me to maintain my sense of self and normalcy. Of course, because of my age, people stare when I am in the cancer units. But when I am out in the world, it is not obvious to the barista, the cashier, or my coworkers on team calls that I am sick. Anonymity is a privilege.

So what is a Dignicap machine? The Dignicap is a machine that connects to a cooling cap that freezes my hair follicles while I am receiving my chemotherapy. This is so that my blood doesn't bring the chemo poison to my hair follicles, which would make it fall out. I similarly wear frozen gloves and booties to prevent neuropathy in my feet and hands.

St. John's Hospital essentially bought the Dignicap machine upon my request. They'd been considering investing in the machine for a while and pushed through the funding when I started my treatment with them. I am so grateful to the cancer clinic for purchasing the machine, and my parents who have funded the "cards" needed for each treatment. The cost per treatment is high, and I am well aware that many people in the Valley cannot afford it. This is why I am so passionate about this specific foundation, as I want other women and men to have the anonymity to battle cancer on their own terms.

Thank you to all who were willing to learn about this niche part of my experience and for those that have the means and volition to donate. Cheers to St. John's, my supportive boyfriend and community, and BEATING CANCER!! I will be cheering on all you runners :)

Warmly,

Paige