Originally from San Diego, CA, I moved to NYC to continue my education in acting. At the end of my first semester I found a lump in my right breast and, while on winter break I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My diagnosis date is the same as my late mother's birthday. Because my mom died from inoperable Melanoma in her brain I chose to fight like hell! I was stage two with Paget's disease, and the ultrasound looked like a star pattern. I had a single mastectomy with reconstruction, and chemo. The chemo was the worst & has left me battling all sorts of disabling conditions. To cheer myself up and to brighten the staff at my doctor's offices (& pass all the waiting time!), I brought along Stella, my breast cancer gnome sent from my friends back in CA. She helps fight the disease my getting photos with people.It hasn't been easy, but throughout my fight I knew I would win and I wrote a blog, took photos and video, and stared as the lead in a play while on chemo! It's been a crazy journey and as I recover I know that the spirit of New York City and the support from people near and far have helped me in so many way to heal!