12 years ago the sweetest 3 year old girl gave my mom her favorite puppy.

She told mom that when she feels bad, it always makes her feel better.  For the next 2 months that puppy was always within arms reach, and I truly believe it did make her feel better when many of the things she was going through with breast cancer did not.

A week after mom left us way too soon, that little girls favorite puppy was returned to her.

During those precious final two months, we had many long conversations about life and the future. One thing she told me was that my hurt in losing her will begin to fade when I have children.  While she was somewhat right, knowing how much joy she would have given our two girls and how much joy they would have given her; I miss her more, not less.

A week after our first daughter Iris was born, in a nondescript box, and without a letter; the same puppy arrived in the mail for her.  That same 3 year old who’s now nearing her drivers license could never know how much a simple act means to me and my family and how much it meant to my mom.

Children should not grow up without a grandma. 

Open your hearts. Open your wallets. Support the American Cancer Society where they work every day to help women with breast cancer become grandmas without.

Donate to Team Brian

As a medical oncologist, I see the impact daily of breast cancer on patients, their families, and their communities.

It would be a lie of omission to only say this cause is important to me professionally.  It is not just that.  This is a daily part of my life.  My mother was the kindest, most thoughtful, and loving person I have ever known.  I’m now the proud father of my own two daughters and strive daily to be half the parent my mother was and my father still is.  The three grandchildren she never had the chance to meet and love, would have given her such incredible joy.  Breast cancer took her away from me and took her away from my family 11 years ago.

In many ways, this has all made me appreciate the American Cancer Society so much more profoundly.  With the American Cancer Society’s support in the fight, today and every day it allows me to care for and treat breast cancer patients knowing that a woman diagnosed with breast cancer today is more likely to get to know and love a grandchild than when my mother was initially diagnosed.

It is a great privilege to have been asked by the American Cancer Society to serve as a Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Come walk with me and my family on Saturday, October 1st at Lambeau Field for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Click here to: sign-up

I’ve committed to raising $2,500 to benefit breast cancer patients. To learn more: click here