I have chosen to rappel because I really haven't had this type of "thrill" since I was a teenager. Back then, I was the one riding roller coasters over and over, trying crazy things on skis (on snow and water), rappelling down towers, and other similar activities that I gave no more than a passing thought to. My tolerance for risk has changed dramatically since I became a mother!  While I am nervous about this, I am also very excited to have such a wonderful outlet in Cancer League to rediscover my dormant thirst for excitement while doing good at the same time.

Like so many others, cancer has affected my family and friends, and even me.  I thankfully don't have cancer, but I recently learned that I have a gene mutation (called BRCA 1) that gives me an extraordinarily high chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and that risk increases with age. Unfortunately I am in the (very small) minority -- most people who receive a cancer diagnosis don't have the huge heads-up that I've been given, so they don't have as many options as I do. There is much more research needed to understand who will get cancer and why, and how best to treat it. Cancer League funds are a critical part of those efforts.

I have experienced a wide range of emotions since I learned about my status, but I am determined to turn this situation into something positive. I can do my part to help others who receive a cancer diagnosis, or further down the line, would benefit from future discoveries about the role of genetics in various cancers. For this event, I decided to dedicate my rappel to my friend Duke, who is quite valiantly battling leukemia. Duke's joy in the midst of his struggle inspires me to work as hard as I can to help cure this terrible disease.

I hope you'll join me in supporting my rappel and Duke's fight by contributing whatever you can to fund cancer research. 100% of Cancer League funds go toward research and service grants for patients -- there is absolutely no overhead -- and those funds are further matched by federal government research grants. So you can be assured that there is no wasteful spending and that every dollar you give goes directly where it is intended.  Thank you for supporting Cancer League and giving me this chance to go Over the Edge!