Please join us this February 2021 as we celebrate 10 years of MeStrong in the Deland community! Not even being from Florida,  I had no idea how much this local charity and and cancer would affect my own life. 

On December 20, 2018, five months after giving birth, I was diagnosed with stage IIIC rectal cancer. The following year I endured chemotherapy, radiation and a major surgery that left me with a permanent colostomy. My treatment plan had me traveling between different institutions out of state as I sought out the best treatment available to me. In the summer of 2019, a friend suggested we apply for aid from MeStrong. My surgery date was quickly approaching and my husband would take FMLA to be with me at MD Anderson and help me recover afterwards. The assistance we received from MeStrong eased the financial burden as we headed to Houston to prepare for surgery and recovery. 

MeStrong and the Deland community as a whole helped my family in ways I can't even explain. Every monetary donation, meal, letter, text and babysitting job can never be repaid. The silver lining of illness (if we look) is that is allows us to see how much people truly do care. I also think being able to help/donate and be of service allows some of that healing and connection to come full circle. 

Help us spread awareness for this charity by doing your own personal 5K and sharing to social media with the #10YearsStronger

So if you feel so inclined, please help me reach my fundraising goal for this MeStrong race! No one fights alone and making a donation (no matter how small) just might help a family like ours in the fight of our lives. We are stronger together! #10YearsStronger