Recent Blog Posts

A Fallen Warrior

If you’ve been following Brandi in the last year or so, you know that this blog was her preferred way to share about her experience with people at large. Brandi spent a lot of time and energy crafting each post. She wanted to share in 

Brandi’s Final Unfinished Draft Post

Below is the unaltered incomplete draft from Brandi, last edited April 3, 2018 – exactly one month before she passed. Brandi’s mom, Genele, took the following photo of her that day. They were on their trip together to Slot Canyons in Arizona. Genele remembers her 

A New Year Without a Fresh Start

A New Year Without a Fresh Start

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog – last October to be exact. I didn’t intend to go radio silent, but I’ll be honest and admit it’s been a dark few months, literally (it’s winter – short days) and figuratively (the emotional and 

Transitioning Treatments

Transitioning Treatments

I saw my doctor yesterday for the first time since my last chemotherapy treatment 4 weeks ago. As I discussed in my last blog with health updates, the platinum-based chemotherapy drug that I’ve been on has killed enough cancer to try to transition me to 

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Per a resolution of Congress, today is Metastatic Breast Cancer awareness day. While the entire month of October is Breast Cancer awareness month, much of the messaging focuses on prevention, survivors, and positive pink. The reality is prevention is not enough – we badly need 

Vallejo City Unified School District Resolution

Vallejo City Unified School District Resolution

I was asked by my father if I would help him present Vallejo City Unified School District Resolution No. 2775 recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and say a few words about my own story at tonight’s school board meeting. I happily signed up 

Health & Advocacy Updates Here! Read all about it!

Health & Advocacy Updates Here! Read all about it!

  Dealing with my health is thankfully not all that I’ve done in the last few weeks. I’ve also participated in several Breast Cancer-advocacy events. Specifically:   I’ve attended and spoken at the American Cancer Society Hope Gala in Sacramento. This is the “high-roller” gala 

That’s What Moms Are For!

That’s What Moms Are For!

In my last blog post, I shared that I was feeling a bit bummed about having a chemo treatment on my birthday. Well, my mother was not going to let a little chemo get in the way of celebrating. Unbeknownst to me, she organized a 

Happy Birthday to me! How about some Chemo?

Happy Birthday to me! How about some Chemo?

It’s been a rough week; for myself, my family, and our nation. For our nation: My heart goes out to all the victims of the floods in Houston and surrounding areas. Fear of flooding is still fresh in my mind from the unusually wet winter 

Real Men Wear Pink!

Real Men Wear Pink!

Earlier this evening at the Golden One Center, I was afforded the opportunity to share my Cancer story with a room full of vivacious, philanthropic, and maybe slightly competitive male volunteers who have all raised their hands to be “Real Men Wear Pink” Ambassadors for