My mother-in-law received open field radiation years ago as part of her cancer treatment. While it helped save her life, it also caused long-term damage to her heart. Recently, she underwent heart valve replacement surgery as a result of those side effects.

Although the surgery was successful, her journey didn’t end there. She now faces daily, life-altering challenges that impact her quality of life in ways many don’t see or fully understand.

Her experience has shown me that surviving isn’t always the finish line—how we live afterward matters just as much. With continued research, innovation, and awareness, I truly believe we can improve outcomes and quality of life for others who face similar long-term effects of cancer treatment and cardiac surgery.

That’s why I’m walking—to advocate, to raise awareness, and to support advancements that could change someone else’s future.

Please consider walking alongside me. Together, we can help create better outcomes, offer hope, and make a lasting impact for patients and families who deserve more than just survival—they deserve to truly live.