In 1999, when I was just 15 years old, I started experiencing constant headaches. Then came a grand mal seizure that changed everything. After a trip to the ER and a transfer to a children’s hospital, I was diagnosed with a papillary meningioma—a rare and aggressive form of brain tumor.
Over the next two decades, I faced two craniotomies and rounds of radiation. Along the way, I learned how to live with fear, how to sit with uncertainty, and most importantly, how to use my voice to create change.
When my tumor came back in 2005, I chose to face it head-on—with courage and hope. I’ve learned to smile through the pain and find the strength to keep going. Now, 26 years later, I’m still undergoing regular scans. They never get easier—but I refuse to let fear define me.
There was a time when I stayed silent about my diagnosis. I thought talking about it would make it feel more real, more permanent. But eventually, I realized that my diagnosis didn’t just shape my story—it gave me strength, perspective, and a sense of purpose.
That purpose came to life in 2024 when I launched the Winchester Country Club Golf Scramble. I wanted to give back and make a difference. To my surprise, we raised $13,000 for the American Brain Tumor Association. The love and support from my community were overwhelming. What I thought would be a one-time event quickly turned into something more—people were already asking about next year.
For me, awareness and advocacy mean everything. When we raise awareness, we honor every patient, caregiver, and loved one affected by a brain tumor. Through advocacy, we bring hope—hope for better treatments, and maybe even one day, a cure. I’ll keep fundraising, sharing my journey, and encouraging others to share theirs. Together, our voices are powerful.
To anyone facing a diagnosis, here’s what I want you to know: Stay hopeful. Let yourself fall apart, but always find the courage to piece yourself back together. And never underestimate the power of your story—it might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
From survivor to advocate, I’ve learned that no one should walk this journey alone. And with each story we share, we remind others that they don’t have to.
