When I was diagnosed with anal cancer and breast cancer within two weeks of one another, I went to NYOH in Clifton Park. All the doctors and staff were friendly, informative, and so kind. They made me feel safe during one of the scariest chapters of my life.
During my anal cancer treatment, I was told I might get sores in my mouth and thrush. I did. Dr. Juliano let me know the prescribed mouthwash could be very expensive, and that if I needed help, I could contact the NYOH Foundation. I was amazed. I looked into everything else they offered, and I couldn't believe how much support was available for patients like me. It made me want to give back.
In the meantime, my son and friends put together a t-shirt fundraiser, just in case I needed help with anything my insurance didn't cover. As it turned out, I was fortunate. My insurance covered almost everything. So instead of keeping that money, I asked people to match what we'd already raised, and I donated all of it to the NYOH Foundation. That Foundation had shown up for patients like me before I even needed it, and I wanted to make sure it could keep showing up for others.
I want to keep helping, and that's why I said yes to walking this year.
I'm a proud wife, mother, friend and educator who has learned that life's greatest blessings are the people we love and the moments we share. I'm a two-time cancer survivor, and the journey changed my perspective forever. I run a Facebook page called The Bold Fight to help people understand what a cancer patient goes through and why everyone should get screened. The love and support I received from my family, friends, colleagues and community carried me through my darkest moments, and it's what inspires me to give back whenever I can.
Thank you for supporting my walk and for helping the NYOH Foundation keep showing up for the next patient who needs it.
