Why am I doing this?
Earlier this year (February 5, to be exact), my dear friend Pam was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Her age (young!) and her health (otherwise excellent!) worked in her favor as she battled what came to be known as "the gorilla."

Pam won, with the help of the talented team at UMass Memorial Cancer Center.

Tha't why on Sunday, September 13, 2009, I'll be walking with some of my very best friends in the 11th Annual Walk to Cure Cancer. The five mile walk raises money to support research at UMass Memorial Cancer Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Not only did Pam receive treatment there, it's also the place where my mom was diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer eight years ago. Thankfully, she too won the battle.

In honor and in memory
So I walk in honor of two incredible women: Pam and my mom, Shirley. But I also walk memory of two other amazing women who fought until they couldn't anymore: my "second mom," Joanie, and my best friend's mom,  Sharon. I miss them and carry them with me every day.

Stamp it out
Please help me meet my goal to give something back in thanks for the tremendous care they have given my dear friend, my mom, and so many others - and to find a cure so that cancer never again threatens loved ones.

Together we can make a difference!