In honor of my mom I ask for your help!

I never used to be a "pink" girl. I hated the color and avoided wearing it. That all changed last summer.

As many of you know, my mom has recently finished up treatment in her fight against breast cancer. Throughout the past year she has exemplified strength, fight, determination, courage, and calm in ways I could have only ever imagined. During this time, my sister and I especially - along with the rest of my family and friends - took advantage of and were grateful for the resources, research, and other materials made available by the Susan G. Komen foundation. Throughout this time, we knew we were lucky as far as breast cancer goes. Thanks to Mom's diligent attention to annual check-ups, her cancer was caught early and was very confined. Her odds were completely in her favor and we were able to remain positive most all of the time. To this day, when I wear the CoSurvivor pin that Mom gave each of us the day of her first surgery, I'm overwhelmed with emotions like pride, relief, and heartache for those still fighting and those who lost their battle.

I won't say it was easy. I can't imagine the pain my mother experienced and I can't even begin to try to count the number of tears or sleepless nights that came and went those several months. We came together as a family in an entirely new way and I was blessed to learn how many people I have in my life who truly love and support me and my family.

Today we're through the surgeries, chemo and radiation. While the "fear" of cancer's return never completely goes away, we're blessed to be at that light of the end of the tunnel which we spent months trying to reach.

Which means that today is my chance to pay it forward.



On April 30, 2011 my family and I will be participating in the Susan G Komen 5K for a Cure as members of my mom's office team and I need your help in our efforts to raise money for this amazing organization. Donating is easy to do and tax deductible. The money raised supports their efforts to provide mammorgrams, fund research, and provide support and information to other CoSurvivors like me and my family. I can't tell you how much I'd appreciate your donation to our team. It doesn't have to be much - every penny makes a difference (yes ...cliche but there's a reason it's cliche!).  To make a donation, please visit http://tiny.cc/CoSurvivorG to click "Donate to Gabriella!". (my website says I'll be walking but ya'll know I'll run it!)

From the bottom of my heart and soul - thank you, thank you, thank you.

God bless,
Gabriella



My mom and dad - my pillars of strength!