I first heard about To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation in 2017 while attending a breast cancer support group. The councellor was looking for volunteers to model in the annual Stepping Out gala fundraiser that To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation puts on. I was drawn to the fact that I could meet other women who could relate to what I was going through, and do something fun while winding down my treatment. Not only did I model that year (and have the best time!), I gained so much confidence in myself and made a bunch of new friends, many of whom I'm still very close with to this day.
I also discovered that a lot of the programs I was taking part in while undergoing treatment, like fitness and wellness classes, and receiving organically prepared meals, were made possible through nonprofits who receive grants from To Celebrate Life. It is an incredible organization that helps so many people across the 9 bay area counties. The experience made such an impact on me and my breast cancer journey, that to this day I volunteer with the organization as well as donate to help give back.
To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation has been an significant part of my life since 1999 when I modeled in the fashion show at Stepping Out, the gala fundraiser. I am a breast cancer survivor and at the time I was just finished with surgeries and chemotherapy. My hair was less than an inch long. I didn't feel like "model material" but I did it anyway, and this experience opened the door to the world of helping others dealing with breast cancer. My involvement continues to be a healing experience and one that reminds me that by joining together we bring each other through the cancer journey.