In August of 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 2, Triple Positive Breast Cancer. I’ve spent the last year having aggressive chemo treatments accompanied by several surgeries and fighting for my life. I was hospitalized during my treatment due to fever caused by my white blood cells being wiped out, becoming what is known as neutropenic.
I was forced to pull off the road as a touring musician because of being susceptible to germs. My immune system was shot and I was too weak. That meant no airplanes, no tour buses, no performing. I’ve performed on stage since I was 5 years old. This was devastating news for me. My doctor told me that for the next year my job would be fighting cancer, and boy, she was right. I’ve had chemo treatments every 3 weeks for 1 year, a double mastectomy and severe side effects from the chemo.
Not being able to tour was very hard on me both emotionally and financially. I have been so blessed to have a wonderful support group around me. I’m not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t had the love and support from my friends and the Nashville music community. I now have a new purpose added to my life. I’ve created this charity to try to help in the fight against breast cancer. With every donation made, money will go to various charities that will help in breast cancer research, bringing awareness and also helping patients who might need financial assistance to pay their bills while they are sick. The Love Anchors Fund will be managed by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
I was incredibly blessed to have help during my battle with breast cancer, and I want to pay it forward to those who need it. I would love to be a part of the solution to helping researchers finally put an end to this horrible disease. 1 in every 8 is not ok!
On September 19, 2018, I had my last chemo treatment and I got to “ring that bell”. I am in remission and I’m now moving forward to try to help others “ring that bell”.
When you donate to The Love Anchors Fund, you become, what we like to call, a crew member.
I was anchored in love and this foundation will do the same for others who are in their own battle against cancer.
Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.
~Author Unknown
I encourage everyone to seek out meaningful opportunities to give back and do something. It really does make a difference!
