Help Kristin raise money

Sometime in April, I was at a friend's for dinner. She is one of these people who has the most remarkable objects in her home, with years of stories attached to each one of them. Dinner wrapped up, and she pointed me to this board with hooks that held tags with words etched into each. The prompt read, "take what you need." I took "courage," why courage at that time? I'm unsure. 

Today, I am still holding onto courage with all my might. I was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Carcinosarcoma mixed Mullerian Tumor in my uterus in early May 2022. I was walking with a friend, talking with her about my symptoms, and feeling anxious because I couldn't explain why I was so tired and didn't feel like my usual cheerful self. Thankfully, she was listening to all the right things and got me into to see a doctor who, during my biopsy, held my hand and said, "I'll be with you every step of the way." At that moment, I knew that his years of caring for patients prepared me for news that no one ever wants to receive—you have cancer.

When I heard 'you have cancer,' it was devastating. Life was suddenly interrupted. The glass that was once half full suddenly looked half empty. I felt trapped in two opposing time zones. In one, the fear makes time stop. In the other, it feels like your life is racing toward an ultimate finish line...one you know you're not ready to cross. It is easy to get stuck in between these zones. 

Cancer is full of emotional dualities: despair vs. hope, crudeness vs. grace, ugliness vs. beauty. Despite how miserable I felt, I would try to wake up with a positive mindset and go to bed grateful for the joy in my life. Much of this came from the simple acts of kindness from family and friends, reaffirming that I mattered and that we'll get through cancer together.

In early September 2022, halfway through my chemotherapy —family and friends from all aspects of my 53 years of life showed up to walk with me in 5K to raise money to support further research for gynecologic cancers. We walked together, side by side, raising close to $15,000. 

On January 29, 2023, I walked the Miami Lifetime 1/2 marathon after an intense go with radiation. Each step celebrated and reaffirmed how beautiful life is. 

On May 07, 2023, I will lock arms again with family and friends to walk the Pittsburgh 1/2 marathon to raise awareness about health inequities surrounding gynecologic cancers and raise funds to continue the research for future generations.

Carcinosarcoma, also known as malignant mixed Mullerian tumor, is a rare type of cancer that combines features of both carcinoma and sarcoma. Despite its aggressive nature, there is still hope for those diagnosed with carcinosarcoma. With early detection and prompt treatment, survival rates have improved in recent years. Research shows that 5-year survival rates for localized cases of uterine carcinosarcoma have increased from 50% to over 60%. Ongoing research about molecular mechanisms and potential targeted therapies have been crucial to developing more personalized treatments and early detection methods. Helping to fund research could improve patients' survival rates and quality of life. I never imagined being a spokesperson for gynecological cancer, but I hope my story will inspire action and change. 

Join me in this fight. Consider donating money or joining me for the walk. The funds raised will go to doctors and their incredible staff at the Magee Womens Research Institute  & Foundation. 

We walk further together than alone.