Exactly four years ago, I spent my 26th birthday in the ICU.

As my third-line cancer treatment, powerful CAR T-cells were attacking the stubborn cancer that had failed to respond to chemotherapy and radiation. Those days in the ICU were a blur, but I remember feeling emotionally and physically exhausted. After all, we did not know whether I would live to get married, finish graduate school, pursue a career I would feel passionate about, or have kids!

Now four years later, I can proudly say that I have managed to do all of that and more! Inspired by a care package left by a survivor on my hospital bed, I have been dedicating this past year to paying that kindness forward.

Since starting our efforts during the pandemic, Kits to Heart has donated 5,000 cancer care kits to all 50 U.S. states, and we launched a virtual cancer art therapy program to provide even more healing and connections! It is crazy to think about how one act of kindness has allowed me and many others affected by cancer to feel loved, comforted, and cared for during unimaginably difficult times. Cancer is already isolating. We can and need to care better.

YOU can help make a difference! For my big 3-0, I am humbly asking you to support my birthday fundraiser for #KitsToHeart. Any amount helps!!