On September 22, 2024, we will participate in the 15th Annual Heat It To Beat It event. This event was launched fifteen years ago to raise awareness and funds for research for a unique surgery and treatment of abdominal cancers. In addition to being a milestone year for the Heat It To Beat It event, this year is also the 5 year milestone from my very last chemo treatment - 3 surgeries (2 HIPEC) and 24 chemo treatments later (the list goes on) BUT we are here to prove that it can be done....so grateful for the fight, support and love throughout the years! Most importantly, this is the first year that our greatest blessing, Elijah, will be able to join us to celebrate his mama and our familia☺ The 2017 appendiceal cancer diagnosis changed our lives, but we have so much to be grateful since this journey began.

The spread of cancer throughout the abdomen is known as peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). A treatment called Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a highly effective, concentrated, heated chemotherapy that is delivered directly to the abdomen immediately after the surgical removal of advanced abdominal cancers. HIPEC can also help eliminate any remaining cancer cells following the surgical removal of the disease. 

“Heat It To Beat It” refers to this heated chemotherapy, which is essential in beating this type of cancer! This event helps build awareness and the necessary funds to continue advancing medicine through research and promoting this life saving treatment. This treatment was a critical part of my success story!

The Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy is one of the top medical institutions in the United States that offers HIPEC treatment and is dedicating extensive research to increase HIPEC awareness and understanding within the medical community. I will forever be grateful for my surgeon, Dr. Sardi, my oncologists (Dr. Ruggiero & Dr. Ledakis) and all of the nurses (aka angels on earth) who supported my journey.

I am participating in Heat It To Beat It because it is one way to pay forward to all who will walk this similar path. Rare cancers do not get the same attention as some of the more common cancers and that results in less funding to support research around preventative care, detection, and a variety of treatments to save lives. It is also a way to celebrate and honor survivors and caregivers. Reaching this important milestone is a huge testament to my tribe - best in the business!

I hope you will consider supporting this important cause by joining my team, registering to participate, making a donation or sending us some good vibes❤

Your support is appreciated. All my best!