PERSONAL: Let's Make Strides Against Breast Cancer

MamaMelismatic & Baby Mel

Every once and a while, it's important to me to "break the fourth wall" so to speak and talk to you all personally.

Through the writing of this blog over the course of almost six years(!), I've gotten to know so many of you who have read my ramblings -- whether it's through social media, the comments, or through friends of friends. Even if we haven't spoken outside of this blog, I would like to take this time to seek your help on something I find incredibly important.

This past August, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. Because luck is on our side, her diagnosis was very early and since she has undergone surgery to remove the cancer and is in the process of healing as we speak. Next on the docket is radiation therapy.

While her diagnosis has certainly thrown us both for a loop, I'm grateful everyday for her early detection and for the doable steps she has needed to take to regain her health. My mother and I have always been and will always be very close -- more than just mother and daughter but the closest of friends.

This is not my first brush with breast cancer, although it is certainly the most influential brush. Growing up, I had a close friend who's mother was diagnosed and later passed away from this disease and throughout my college years have met others who's mothers were also taken prematurely. This is not something I am taking lightly and for these reasons alone, I continue to be thankful for my mother's Stage 1 diagnosis and the relief regarding the odds of her being cancer-free.

This year, I have decided to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, an annual event held in the infamous Central Park here in New York City, on October 19th, 2014. Currently, my goal is set to raise $100 toward this important cause. I am asking you, as friends and as readers, that if you would like to donate on my behalf, I would be honored and grateful. Donations of any amount at all will be appreciated! More information on donating is available (here).

Should you choose to donate on my behalf, I will include your name on my shirt as I walk through Central Park. 

Together, let's help cure this disease!