I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in January 2025, and my life changed overnight.
I went from being a member of the care team to being the patient, and that was a tough transition to make. For years, I had been the one offering comfort and kindness to families in some of their hardest moments, the calm presence in the room when everything felt uncertain. Suddenly I was the one who needed that calm presence. I was met with that same kindness and compassion every step of the way, and it carried me through this journey more than I can put into words.
I am walking to raise awareness, to raise funds that help others and in honor of every person who has faced this disease alongside me.
I'm a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Assistant Professor at Albany Medical Center, and outside of work, I'm also a yoga teacher, because after everything I've been through, staying grounded and moving my body matters more than ever. Lately I've even branched out and started taking a hip hop class, which is proof that survivorship comes with a sense of humor too. I'm a proud mom of four, Maya, Abby, Tadhg and Brigid, and I've been married to my husband Carl for 24 years. I love the ocean, painting and getting lost in a good book whenever I get the chance.
Today I'm a Stage 3B colon cancer survivor, and I'm dedicated to raising awareness so more people catch this disease early and more families get the support they need.
Walking the runway for Rock Your Style is my way of turning my own diagnosis into something that helps someone else. Every dollar raised goes toward giving other patients the same kindness and care that carried me through.
Thank you for supporting me and for standing with everyone still fighting.
