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Before I was diagnosed, my mother had passed away two years before from a rare type of cancer. It was spindle cell cancer and there was no treatment for it at the time. She was in a research study but it didn't work for her.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. I've had both breasts surgically removed and reconstructed. I found my lump myself so self exams are important. I'm done with chemo and I have a few more surgeries for the reconstruction process. I've been blessed to have great friends and supporters. I was able to support a good friend of mine who was diagnosed with breast cancer just after I was.

I've done Relay for Life for three years since. The first year, I walked while I was going through chemotherapy. This event is so important because it supports research, the development of new drugs and it provides support for cancer patients and their families.

This is the second Relay for LIfe I've done this year. I just moved to Bakersfield a few weeks ago from Yuma, AZ. I did one in Yuma before I moved here. The Bakersfield event is a lot larger. This is huge.