“Three years ago, at 43, I stepped onto the Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu mat for the very first time. I wasn’t chasing a goal or trying to prove anything. I was simply a mom, watching her sons train, quietly inspired by the women who showed up with such strength, grace, and quiet confidence—women like Niki and Sarah. Something about their presence stirred something deep inside me. A whisper of possibility. I found myself wondering, “Could I try this too?”

I’ve always loved martial arts—kickboxing, karate—but I never felt brave enough to walk into a gym alone. The idea intimidated me. So when I started, I partnered with my oldest son. It felt safe. Familiar. But after a few months, he had to step away for health reasons. My youngest kept going, and I made the choice to stay. Unsure. But determined.

Little by little, more women joined and I began to feel more at ease training with the men. My introverted self still hesitated at the door each time, heart pounding, nerves buzzing—but I kept showing up. Because every time I left class, I felt stronger. Lighter. More alive.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu didn’t just reshape my body—it helped me reclaim parts of myself I hadn’t realized were missing. It rebuilt my confidence. It lifted my self-worth. It gave me a sense of belonging, of purpose, of quiet pride. It reminded me that I could be powerful and gentle, fierce, and kind, all at once. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.

In November of 2024, I received my blue belt. When the belt was tied around my waist, I felt a rush of pride—but also fear. This was a level up. A new chapter. Part of me wondered if I was truly ready. But my coaches believed in me. And so I chose to believe in myself.

Then, in early 2025, life threw me a curve I never saw coming. A routine exam revealed three cancerous lumps in my left breast and lymph nodes. The news hit like a tidal wave. Because of the size and location of the tumors, my surgical oncologist recommended a chemotherapy, mastectomy and possibly radiation. And with a family history of breast cancer weighing heavily on my heart, I made the decision to move forward with a double mastectomy—trying to eliminate any possibility of cancer returning.

It was a choice rooted in fear, yes—but also in fierce love. For my sons. For my future. For the woman I’ve become on that mat.

And this isn’t the end of my story. Not even close.

Because when I kick cancer’s ass—and I will—I’ll be back on those mats. Stronger. Wiser. Hungrier. More alive than ever. I’ll return not just to train, but to honor every step of this journey. Every bruise, every belt, every battle. I’ll return with gratitude in my heart and fire in my soul.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gave me the courage to begin. Now it’s giving me the strength to fight. And when I come back, I won’t just be reclaiming my place—I’ll be rewriting what it means to rise.”