As many of you know, cancer has had a profound impact on our family. In October of 2013, my husband Scott McMeekan, was diagnosed with appendix cancer at the age of 45. We had three girls at home, Kelsi age 14, Sydney age 11, and Bella age 3 and in an insant our world was turned upside down. Managing the day to day family activities, working full time, Scott unable to work, medical appointments, managing his treatment at home, mounting medical bills, and the stress of it all many times felt like too much to handle and it impacted all of us in different ways. At the time I didn't know about Gilda's Club and all the wonderful resources they have available to families. Knowing what i know now, what a blessing it could have been to us. Scott bravely fought his cancer diagnosis for just under 6 months and passed away April 3, 2014.

6 months after losing my husband, cancer decided it wasn't done with our family yet and my mom was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, gliobastoma. Again it hit us out of nowhere, one day she was enjoying retirement, full of life and energy, always helping others and giving back and the next day we thought she was having a stroke and instead were told it was cancer. She ultimately was given a week to live but we were blessed to have another 4 months with her. She passed away in February of 2015.

Shortly after she passed away I had an amazing opportunity to interview for a position at Gilda's Club as their Development Director. After over 20 years as a retail buyer I had no idea if I was qualified to do the job but decided to interview and see where it took me. I needed to make a career change as I lost my support system and wasn't able to travel in my current career and manage life as a single mom, I knew I wanted to do something that allowed me to give back and was so excited as I learned more about the organization and all they did for cancer patients and their families, I knew it was the perfect fit.

And so I'm asking for your support. I've experienced the devastation and emotions that a cancer diagnosis brings and felt the loss of hope that a cancer diagnosis brings. Knowing what I know now, I want to ensure that everyone knows about the amazing programs available at Cancer Support Community and Gilda's Club so that no one in our community ever has to face a cancer diagnosis alone. Seeing participants walk into our clubhouse for the first time with all those emotions and stress on their face and seeing the impact our programs have, watching them find hope and joy and laughter during one of the most life changing moments in their lives brings me so much gratitude that a place like this exists.

Cancer Support Community and Gilda's Club do not charge a penny for thier services and it is only possible because of the love and support of a community. That community is you and I would be so grateful if you could make a gift of any size in honor of Scott or Mom or maybe someone you know that has faced a cancer diagnosis. Help us make a difference!