Hello, and thank you for taking the time to visit my fundraising page. My name is Carissa, I am 41, I am in one of the hardest seasons in my life, and I am raising money for the Gloria Gemma Foundation.

Right before Christmas last year I received the news that I had triple negative breast cancer. Life has been overwhelming at times. But it has also been full of hope, love, support, and tiny miracles and victories. For that I am so very grateful. Friends dropping off tiny surprises to lift my spirits, my husband, daughter, and family that have been by my side through it all, and my amazing health care team from Dana Farber.

I know how lucky I am to have all these people on my side so now my mission is to keep healing and to give back. I want to help others who are enduring cancer treatments by raising money for the Gloria Gemma foundation. And I want to show my daughter, the light of my life, that you can make lemonade from even the sourest lemons.

It is Ella that first led me to hearing of the Gloria Gemma Foundation. When she played soccer for LYSA, I learned of the foundation through her coach's lovely wife who is a relative of Gloria Gemma. The mission of their non-profit and the thought that all the money raised will be put to good use helping those both in treatments and those in survivorship is an incredible one to support. While I have not yet participated in any classes and programs they have for those in cancer survivorship; I hope to, as I move along in my journey.

I have been very private about my journey, as that is the decision I made but now, I am ready to share my story in the hope that it can help others.

Like so many others facing a cancer diagnosis, this journey has brought challenges, uncertainty, and moments that have tested me in ways I never imagined.

Throughout my treatment, I have seen firsthand how important support, resources, and community are for patients and their families. undergoing cancer treatment. No one should have to endure this alone.

So how can you help?

Make a donation of any size to my page or anyone on my team- Team Raising Hope.

Join our team and make a fundraising page of your own towards our team goal.

Join our team and walk alongside me.

Share this page with your family, friends, and social media networks.

Every dollar raised will help advance the important work of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Foundation and provide meaningful support to individuals navigating their own cancer journeys.

Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, and support.

Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those who need it.

With love and much gratitude.

Carissa