Metastatic Breast Cancer Passion Project

I have been ridiculously fortunate to be living with and treated for de novo (stage IV from the get-go) metastatic breast cancer—a diagnosis with about a 29% five-year survival rate—for over seven years now. I’ve been on chemo since 2015 with no breaks. I have had too many surgeries to count, received multiple courses of radiation, and take dozens of pills a day.

Thanks to intellectual and financial and philanthropic investments in oncology research, I have exceeded every expectation I had for myself at diagnosis and am living a life richer and fuller than I could have ever dreamed of in those first years when I spent hours crying in the laundry room. So many of the friends I met with this diagnosis who wrapped their physical and virtual arms around me then didn’t get this experience. I have done nothing special to deserve it.

Because of cancer research investments over the last decades, since 2020

I’ve had the true honor of relaunching my hard-earned career and getting up every day to raise millions for research and patient support and health equity initiatives, the most exciting, motivating, and rewarding “job” I could ever imagine.

I am delighted to announce that I am also ready to launch a long-dreamt passion project, “Sunrise Tuesdays.” The years of public speaking and advocacy essays and articles, passionately-written messy notes on index cards, and voice memos on my phone will be getting a home.

So many of you have kindly asked how you could help me personally with my cancer experience. And truly, I’ve felt too privileged with my health care access and positive response to accept help. I would be forever grateful if you would be willing to assist with the start-up cost of legal and tax consultation, web and graphic design, if you are able. When possible, I am hiring other metastatic breast cancer patients—many of whom struggle with bringing in income while living with this disease.

Your generosity will allow me to share my lived experience to support others facing a catastrophic illness as quickly and tactically as possible. Thank you!

As I like to say, thanks to investments in cancer research, I will take a life of Sunrise Tuesdays and chemo Thursdays for as long as I am able. EVERYONE deserves a life that’s worth fighting for.

My gratitude spurs my action. My future thanks to you for being on this journey with me as a supporter in any form. Your kinds words are invaluable.