I’m honored and excited to participate as a model in this year’s Tina’s Wish Runway for Research—an unforgettable evening of storytelling and fashion where ovarian cancer warriors, family members, researchers, and doctors take the runway to raise critical funds for the fight against ovarian cancer.

I am walking in memory of my mother, Karen A. Shapira. After she passed away from breast cancer in 2005, I learned I carry the BRCA gene mutation. At age 39, I made the life-altering decision to have a prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy (for those unfamiliar with the term—that means I had my ovaries removed). I’m profoundly grateful for the availability of genetic testing and life-saving information that empowered me to take this step.

By participating in this event, I hope to raise awareness of BRCA-related cancers and help advance research in the early detection and prevention of ovarian cancer. I would be so grateful for your support.

Please join me in this mission by making a contribution—together, we can save lives. Thank you!