Trish

Breast and gynecological cancers have touched me as well as my mother and many dear friends. Experiencing cancer first hand was the most challenging time of my life but, ironically, it was also the catalyst to begin a wonderful new journey. I wanted to share my story with you so you know how cancer touched me and why I founded Athena Partners.

Four months short of my 40th birthday, my mother died from ovarian cancer. While she was going through treatment, I noticed a lump in my breast. At the time, I was so focused on my mother's care and the grief of losing her that I didn't pay attention to it.

After she passed away, I decided that it was time to see a doctor about the lump-fearing the worst but hoping for the best. He recommended a biopsy. A few days later, when I was home alone, I received the phone call and heard the words, "You have cancer." I thought I was going to die, like my mother.

I spent my birthday in the hospital undergoing surgery. After that, I had 6 months of chemotherapy and then 45 days of radiation treatments. For the next five years, I took a Tamoxifen pill everyday as a cancer preventative.

Nearly every part of my life that I had considered "normal" changed. I lost my hair, felt ill most of the time, redefined my career, attended support groups, and met a whole new world of health professionals. There was an ongoing unease and fear that cancer would come back and take my life. At the same time, I felt the love and support of a wonderful group of family and friends who reached out to me in ways I had not experienced before. I also realized the incredible empowerment and benefits of exercise and the wealth of medical information and support available on the Internet.

Today, I feel so blessed to be alive. I appreciate the miracles of each and every day. I'm grateful to be where I am right now, and to have the wonderful family members, friends and children with whom I spend the time I have. I have been inspired by and learned from so many others who have walked in the path of cancer.

After my experience, I decided that I wanted to do something to give back and make a difference in my mother's honor. I've become passionate about the women's cancer cause and about making a difference in finding a cure. I know that each of us can make a difference for this cause and that, together, we can eliminate this disease.

That is why I created Athena Partners. Through the purchase of our bottled water and chocolate, I hope you'll find a powerful and easy way that you and your family and friends can support breakthrough research to accelerate progress in finding a cure. And through our website, I hope you'll find the information, support and inspiration that will empower and heal.

I have a great sense of optimism about what lies ahead, and especially about the possibilities of what we can do together. United for this cause, we truly can make incredible things happen!