Unfortunately, we have all been touched by cancer in some medium. Whether it was/is ourselves who had to fight that courageous battle or a loved one who took on this horrid disease, we all know the devastation cancer brings. I have been lucky enough to not have to fight this battle for myself, but I do fight this battle for others with others. I have lost too many in my life to this despicable disease. The first person I lost in my life was my cousin, Reid. Reid battled with a form of Sarcoma cancer for two years. In the wake of his loss, his parents and brother founded the Reid R. Sacco Memorial Foundation which has grown the past fourteen years into the Reid R. Sacco Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Alliance. I am a proud member of that Alliance. We target Adolescent and Young Adult cancers so that no child has to brave what Reid braved and no parent or sibling has to endure what my relatives endured.

The fight against cancer has not yet been won, but we are better than we were. There have been breakthroughs. There are survivors. Our mission is to end cancer at its roots so that it can never again invade, intimidate, or threaten another life. This is not something that can be done alone. Our continued efforts will ensure a victory over this abhorrent disease. Never again will we have to see our loved one suffer, nor will we have to suffer ourselves. Never again will we have to say goodbye too soon. Never again will we have to hear that word we all dread: cancer.

To those who still reap the pain of this agonizing disease, my deepest condolences. I understand your pain and I know in no way can my words heal your wounds, but they are something to hold onto.

This battle is like walking through a dark tunnel. We may not know how long it's going to take us to get to the other side. We may not be able to see what is directly in front of us. But we can see the light at the end.

Let's fight cancer together.