Brandi’s story: I love walking along the beach, book club, games days, hiking, biking, kayaking, and volunteering. I’m a big idea person, good at delegating, but not so good with the details. Faith, family, friends, and traditions are important to me. Ask me to do something or go somewhere…I’m in. I’m active and spontaneous. The best word to describe me is Competitive; yes, with a capital ”C.” I like to win. Just ask my sisters, or my husband, or my daughter, or my friends.
My sisters and I have been very active and competitive over the years. We have competed in triathlons, half marathons, 5K’s, hiked the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, biked the GAP Trail from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, D.C., finished a one-day 100-mile bike ride, taken overnight backpacking trips, are members of bowling leagues… the list goes on and on. Competition was involved in all these endeavors, whether competing against the public, each other, or ourselves.
Cancer has been my toughest competition. I thought that I had won my battle with breast cancer. Twelve years, 2006 – 2018, and going strong. But then, cancer returned for a rematch. Again, I thought I had won the battle, 2018 -2023. Once again, in August 2023, cancer returned. This time, the competition is fierce; I am fighting for my life—metastatic breast cancer.
Currently, there are no survivors, and there is no cure. But, the competitive me says, “Why can’t I be the first person to beat this, to win”? That is my plan.
In every competition, there are highs and lows, times you want to give up, and times for celebrating. This race will be no different. There will be good and not-so-good days, days I feel like quitting, and days I celebrate. During a competition, when you hear the cheer from spectators, it gives you a much-needed boost to go a little further and try a little harder. Just as your love, words of encouragement, and prayers are providing the boost I need for my toughest competition.