Denise

Breast Cancer first crashed into my life in the Spring of 1998 when my best friend, my rock, my dear mother was diagnosed. I will never forget the crushing feeling when she called me at work to tell me the news, and struggling to catch my breath as I stood sobbing in the closet of my classroom--choking back the tears to assure my mom that "this is NOT a death sentence--you WILL beat this--there is no other option but success!" I have never felt more helpless than I felt that day, when the person I have spent a lifetime leaning on was so obviously terrified and sobbing into the phone.

I could never have imagined in that moment how this battle with Breast Cancer would not only change her life, but mine as well, in such profound ways. I could not have imagined this devastating disease could be the single most horrible and on the other hand, the single greatest blessing in our lives. If it weren't for this experience, my mom would not have met her beautiful circle of supportive women (a.k.a. The Boobie Girls). These women have become family and I will be forever grateful to them for surrounding my entire family with their amazing strength, and endless showers of encouragement, love and friendship.

Melissa and I became fast friends after she was assigned to be mom's Reach to Recovery volunteer. She and I walked the 3-Day from San Jose to San Francisco together in 2002. This was a truly life changing experience for me, and I love that girl for sticking with me every single step of those 60 miles. It was a true full circle moment as I crossed the finish line with Melissa at my side and fell into my mom's arms, sobbing "I did it Mom!". It seemed like such a trivial thing in comparison to surgery, reconstruction, chemotherapy, hair loss, etc., but I felt it was a small way of honoring her fight.

When Melissa and I were walking, some of our most treasured moments were the countless faces who helped us along the route. Whether is was grocery store employees handing out slices of cold watermelon, or little ones offering up tiny cups of lemonade, or just enthusiastic cheers and well timed 'you can do its'--these gestures really gave us the strength to finish that walk. It was that feeling we wanted to share with walkers and that is how "Team Tough Titties" came into being. I cheer with my fellow Tough Titties in joyous celebration of my mom (celebrating 9 years cancer free this spring!). I cheer in thanks to all of our beloved 'boobie girls', and I cheer in loving memory of our sisters who lost their brave battles, but never lost their spirit of strength and courage.

In my 'real life', I am a nanny to two beautiful and amazing little girls and a luscious little baby boy. I also keep ridiculously busy cooking, crafting, working on projects and elaborate parties with the love of my life, Jay, and snuggling with our 5 kitties. We have been blessed with a huge and incredible community of friends, and sometimes it is hard to squeeze everything I love into one life, but I do love my life!