Why am I doing this?

I am a 25 year old athlete, who also happens to be a cancer survivor.


That is the reason for this Crush Cancer Softball Clinic; to share my story, and bring awareness to the issue of cancer, at any age.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was terrified. The only association I had with cancer was a very negative one. I only knew of grandparents' being diagnosed with cancer. I did not know of other 20 year olds with cancer. I did not know what happened to 20 year olds who had cancer. I thought only of bad things happening to me.

Slowly, that negative perception of cancer was altered with the help of reality. I realized that it was likely I would beat cancer, and go on to live my life the way I wanted to. However, it was still a very lonely journey. I did not have too many stories of hope, and I did not have other individuals to relate to. I felt I was on my own.

I hope to get rid of that loneliness that so often accompanies a cancer diagnosis. I want others to see a story of hope. I want others to be able to share that they once met a vibrant 25 year old who also happened to be a cancer survivor.

I will continue to share my story, and present myself as a example of what can be after a cancer diagnosis.

Please help support my mission by signing up for the Crush Cancer Clinic.

The softball clinic is taking place on January 21st, at Caldwell College, from 10am-1pm. Other details can be found in blog posts below.

Mission Statement

On January 21st, 2012 I will be holding the first Crush Cancer Softball Clinic.

I have three missions for my Crush Cancer Softball Clinic. One is to lessen the fear associated with cancer.

My second mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle, which I believe helped me immensely during my own battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 22 years old.

The third mission is to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, through Light the Night, which is an event that I take part in every year. I believe that LLS presents every event in a positive and proactive light.

Cancer is scary, lonely, hopeless at times, and something that is so different for every individual that experiences this terrible disease. I want to lessen all the destructive parts of cancer, while promoting the things that may make somebody’s cancer journey less painful and scary.

I can do this through forming relationships with young girls in my community as a start, and showing them what a cancer survivor can look like, a 24 year old athlete. I want to break the cancer stereotypes that are presented through the media. My dream is to have the young girls I build relationships with be able to offer hope to somebody in the future.

Please stay tuned for other information about the first Crush Cancer Softball Clinic, to be hosted at Caldwell College in January.