When I was first diagnosed with leukemia, my world stopped. I was a professional equestrian, competing at the highest levels, and my life revolved around early mornings at the stables, intense training, and the thrill of competition. But with one diagnosis, everything I had worked for suddenly felt out of reach. It was devastating. At the time, I couldn’t imagine how this would shape my life or how sharing my story would become one of my greatest missions.

Facing the Diagnosis
Hearing the word “cancer” was surreal. It didn’t feel real, and I kept asking myself, “Why me?” I was young, active, and seemingly healthy. At first, I didn’t know how to process it. I felt an overwhelming sense of loss—not just for my career as a professional rider, but for the life I thought I’d always have.

But once the initial shock subsided, I realized I had a choice: I could let the disease define me, or I could take control of how I responded to it. That decision wasn’t easy, but I knew I wanted to fight back—not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I wasn’t going to let leukemia steal everything from me.

From Silence to Speaking Out
In the beginning, I kept my diagnosis private. I was scared of how people would react. Would they treat me differently? Would they see me as fragile or broken? I didn’t want pity. But over time, I realized that staying silent wasn’t helping me or anyone else who might be going through something similar.

One day, a close friend encouraged me to share my story. She reminded me that my experiences—however painful—could inspire others. So, I started small. I shared snippets of my journey on social media, not expecting much of a response. To my surprise, people reached out—friends, acquaintances, even strangers. They thanked me for my vulnerability, for putting into words the emotions they, too, were struggling with.

Finding My Purpose
As I continued to open up about my journey, I realized how much I had to say—not just about cancer but about navigating the healthcare system, dealing with misdiagnoses, and finding the strength to keep going. I started speaking at events and connecting with communities affected by cancer and chronic illnesses.

Each time I shared my story, it felt less like a weight and more like a calling. People would approach me after my talks to tell me how much my words resonated with them. They’d share their own struggles, and in those moments, I felt a deep sense of connection and purpose. I wasn’t just speaking about cancer—I was speaking about resilience, hope, and the power of community.

Creating Platforms for Change
Through my foundation, EmPOWERThePATIENTS, I’ve had the privilege of guiding others through the complexities of their health journeys. It’s one thing to face a diagnosis; it’s another to navigate a healthcare system that often feels overwhelming and impersonal. I wanted to provide resources, tools, and a voice for those who felt lost, just as I once did.

I also co-created HART’s Purpose™, a jewelry line that raises awareness and funds for leukemia patients. Each piece is designed to spark conversations and remind wearers of the strength we all carry, even in our darkest moments.

Why Speaking Matters
For me, speaking about cancer isn’t just about sharing my story—it’s about creating change. I want to raise awareness about the importance of listening to patients, advocating for better care, and supporting one another through life’s toughest battles. I’ve learned that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a bridge that connects us to others.

When I stand in front of an audience or write about my journey, I feel a sense of liberation. By speaking my truth, I’ve reclaimed the narrative that cancer tried to take from me. I’ve turned my pain into power, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Looking Ahead
My mission is far from over. I’m committed to continuing this work—advocating for patients, raising awareness, and inspiring others to find their own strength. Cancer changed my life, but it didn’t define me. Instead, it gave me a voice, a purpose, and a platform to help others.

To anyone reading this who’s facing their own battle, know this: You are stronger than you think, and your story matters. Together, we can create a world where no one has to face these challenges alone. And as long as I have the opportunity to speak, I’ll keep fighting for that vision.