This month, my dear friend Tawnya Williams was diagnosed with breast cancer. This week, she will learn if the cancer has spread to surrounding lymphnodes before undergoing a double mastectomy on February 22nd, then targeted radiation, and finally several reconstructive surgeries over the next year. These next several months will be very difficult, but she is a resilient and proven survivor, having beaten stage four cancer once already in her remarkable life. For this Valentine's Day, I want to reach out to all of you to ask that you share some hope and love with Tawnya and her beautiful family to help her do it again.

Tawnya is a beloved special education teacher at Cherokee Trail High School who has dedicated herself to her students and school. At home, she cares for three beautiful girls, including little McKinley who dances together with my son Andy at the School of Breaking where we met. Tawnya herself is an avid golfer, joyful dancer, and a gifted artist. Her love for others shines in her art and in how she takes care of her friends and family. I am in awe of her positivity and boundless energy. These next months of recovery will no doubt be painful and difficult. If you are in a position to donate, please do. A small donation to buy a favorite cup of tea for Tawnya or some mac-n-cheese for Mac-n-Freeze (one of McKinley's many bgirl names - her favorite food is actually green chili, that's our girl) along with a note of love and well wishes will help the family with the hard work of healing and recovery they have in front of them. Thank you all so much.