In January of this year, my mom lost her battle with stage 4 breast cancer. The loss still feels overwhelmingly fresh. I cried signing up for this, I cried writing this, and I know I'll mourn her throughout this experience.

But I told myself every year I'm here I'll find something to honor my mom with. Throughout my entire life, she gave all of the time, energy, and love she had to her kids. My two sisters and I were incredibly lucky to have her for as long as we did.

This was her second battle with breast cancer, and when she was given a terminal diagnosis she did not yet have any grandkids. Thanks to new treatments, creative doctors, and my mom's fighting spirit, she got to meet not one, but two grandkids in her final years. Watching her be an exceptionally devoted grandma only further reminded me of everything she gave to her family.

This is a small way to contribute to cancer research, but it feels like an important first step to grappling with the immense amount of grief I feel.

Thank you mom for everything you did for us, we love you, and I hope you are in a better place free from any suffering. Until we meet again.

Anyone who feels called to donate, thank you.