Hello friends and family!
I'm Taking on a New Challenge for Breast Cancer Research
Many of you know that breast cancer has touched my life in a very personal way.
This year, I've been given an incredible opportunity to participate in an Expedition Inspiration fundraising trek. Expedition Inspiration is a nonprofit organization that raises money for breast cancer research while also helping survivors reconnect with their bodies, strength, and confidence through outdoor adventure.
As a breast cancer survivor, this mission speaks deeply to me.
Over the coming months, I'll be training for this hike and challenging myself physically in ways I never imagined when I was going through treatment. Every step I take is a reminder of how far I've come, and of the many women and families who are still facing this disease.
I'm also committed to raising funds to support innovative breast cancer research and programs that provide hope, education, and support to those affected by breast cancer. Since its founding, Expedition Inspiration has helped fund more than $2 million in breast cancer research and continues to invest in promising young researchers working toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
If you'd like to support me on this journey, I would be incredibly grateful. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. If donating isn't possible, your encouragement, prayers, and sharing of this message mean just as much.
Thank you for supporting me as I work hard to get to the summit of Galena Peak and for helping create hope for those impacted by breast cancer.
With So Much Gratitude,
Amy
Marriage of science and survivorship:
Expedition Inspiration funds an annual Young Investigator Award. This $25,000 grant is funded to a young investigator at a critical time in the development of their careers as clinical breast cancer scientists and junior faculty members. Previous YIA recipients include an impressive cohort of researchers many of whom are leading major institutions and are making impactful contributions to the field of breast cancer research. In addition to funding YIA, EI hosts a research symposium called the Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium. Top researchers from the breast cancer research community share the latest in regards to targeted therapies, clinical trials, treatment updates, alternative therapies, proactive measures, and more.
In addition to supporting breast cancer research, Expedition Inspiration supports women affected by this disease. Our survivorship program allows women to reconnect with their bodies, minds, and spirits through hiking and mountain climbing. Through these outdoor adventures and celebrations, Expedition Inspiration is not only raising spirits and hope, but also raising critical funds for research.
June 14, 2026
Nineteen years ago, I had a son. Today is Jake's birthday! For his birthday, Mike and I hiked 6 miles on Corral's Trail off of Bogus Basin road. I was listening to a podcast this past week, where Mel Robbins was talking about her tour and they were interviewing people. This one woman mentioned it was her birthday and all she wished for was to beat cancer. Mel proceeded to say this woman was fighting for her life, and the announcer had asked everyone at the tour if they could help grant her wish. They all screamed yes! Nine years ago, I was fighting for my life, and now, today, I am hiking so that maybe a young scientist will be able to find a cure, so that no one will have to fight cancer again.
It's starting to get a bit hotter during the day, so we will need to start our hikes earlier. This is my second hike on this trail. The views are beautiful, but I still miss the trees of Washington State. My toe joints hurt some, but overall, I love hiking. I will write more as each hike progresses. Thanks for reading.
June 19, 2026
Blogging. I've never blogged before. I actually have a very hard time sharing my inner thoughts, unless you catch me in a moment where I will verbally word-vomit all over you and everything comes out. Most of the time, I get pushed along by life and keep it all in. I probably shouldn't do that. A couple weekends ago, I was at a very lovely retreat hosted by Casting for Recovery, and we were all in a circle and others were talking about their journeys relating to that C word, and I just broke down. I couldn't speak, I couldn't stop, and I was full on ugly crying. I mean, snot everywhere, I-need-a-box-of-tissues-now, maybe a second box, and after about 20 minutes, still unable to stop, I had to get up and walk outside for some air. I had all these really big feelings, and I had no idea what to do with them. Every peson there understood. Every person there loved me for me anyway. I learned that I was safe, and it was okay to let it out, let it go, and heal just a little bit more. I am so grateful for those women, and for that moment.
I am grateful for this space, too. I'm grateful I get to hike and hopefully contribute to something bigger than me, and maybe help someone else heal at the same time. Oh, and by the way, I will tell you about my cancer story, but I need to run off to get ready for my Strength Together class at the Y. Today is a holiday and I didn't have to go to work, so I am working on my life goals of getting in movement and strength whereever I can get it in. My class starts in about an hour....so I'm off! More later.