My name is Kayla and in June of 2019, at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with Stage 2b, grade 3, HR positive, HER 2 negative invasive ductal carcinoma.
 
If you are anything like me, that may not make a lot of sense or you may be asking what does that mean? Without any prior family history, I had developed an aggressively growing breast cancer.
 
At the time of my diagnosis my husband and I had recently moved in to a new home, and our then, 4 year old, daughter was wrapping up Pre-K. To say it turned our world upside down is an understatement.
 
Treatment began abruptly and I found myself in the midst of 8 rounds of chemo at the very time we were celebrating our daughter starting kindergarten. While I had an enormous amount of support from family and friends, I didn't have anyone that truly knew what I was experiencing, as a mother and young woman fighting for her life.
 
I had heard about the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation through a friend who encouraged me to reach out. But I thought, surely, I could do this on my own. Not even realizing how isolated I felt.
 
It wasn't until October, and the annual Flames of Hope weekend held by the foundation that I chose to get involved. I created a team, got my family and friends signed up, and fundraised for what I thought would be another walk to help end this terrible disease. That weekend proved to be so much more.
 
My husband had reached out to the foundation with some questions about the events of the weekend and spoke with Mandy. He shared my story with her and I found myself quickly connected with her and the recipient of a donor torch to join in the Illumination of Life ceremony. My friend who had previously encouraged me to reach out was there waiting for me with open arms.
 
The next day, after the 5k walk concluded, my family and I were chatting and Maria approached us, having read our team name from our t-shirts and introduced herself. She embraced me and encouraged me to continue to stay connected to the foundation. This weekend in October of 2019 changed the trajectory of my healing process. I felt seen, I felt comfort, and most importantly, I felt community.
 
At each and every turn since that weekend, the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation has helped myself and my family navigate through treatments and finding our new normal. They have provided meals while in treatment through the Angels on Wheels program, mindfulness programs and a new network of friends that I now consider family through the Young Survivors program.
 
In the midst of the pandemic, their efforts never stopped. They ensured that there were virtual offerings to stay connected with wellness programs, zoom meetings instead of our traditional in-person gatherings, and when it was safe to venture out, they have provided a multitude of outdoor activities to keep us engaged and keep the healing and growing process going.
 
My family and I are stronger today because of the support of the foundation. Their commitment to providing wellness and support is second to none. My husband has met and connected with other husbands who have been through and are going through the same experience with their wives, and our daughter, Harper, has remained a priority and they have connected us with other families who have children the same age.
 
Because of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, I can stand here today and say that I am not just surviving, I am thriving.

Please help me support Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation by making a contribution to my fundraiser and sharing this page with your family and friends. Every dollar I raise will advance Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation's great cause! Additionally, you can ask me how you can get involved too.
Together, we can make a difference!