In January 2010, at the age of 12, I was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. The diagnosis didn't come as a complete shock, due to a familial blood disorder which is known to cause cancer, but still marks a point at which my life was completely and irreversibly changed. Throughout my treatment, I received amazing and never-ending support from my communities at the Ballard Boys & Girls Club, my soccer team, and school, all of whom helped me, but also my family, to get through this tough time.

Due to our disorder we knew I was destined for a bone marrow transplant and so, after two rounds of chemo and "conditioning" for the transplant (which included radiation and more chemo), I was ready to receive new stem cells from a donated umbilical cord. I received this transplant on May 18, 2010, and am happy to say, nearly eight years later, that I am in remission and as strong and healthy as I've ever been!

I'm in my second year at the University of Puget Sound, coxing on the Women's Crew Team, and after seeing a couple of my teammates participate in a St. Baldrick's event last year, decided to organize one this year! My friend and teammate Kayla Hipp and I have been working to get this fundraiser going and are hoping to raise $7,500 for St. Baldrick's. Whether you can donate $5 or $100, any contribution is welcome, and appreciated, to contribute to this awesome foundation, which gives money to fund childhood cancer research.