Hi friends,

I want to share something personal as you visit this page. I’ve never felt entirely comfortable asking for donations but this cause truly matters to me. The Barber Beast on the Bay is more than just an obstacle course race. It represents perseverance, inclusion, and the belief that every person deserves a chance to reach their full potential.

This year is especially meaningful as it’s the final Beast on the Bay, and I’m showing up with everything I’ve got. I’ve participated the past two years, including last year the day after starting radiation treatment for cancer that had spread to my lungs. That experience gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to believe in myself, fight for something, to push through when everything feels hard, and to celebrate the strength we find in ourselves and each other.

I’m currently living with metastatic PEComa, and my treatment is palliative. That means there is no cure, however there is still joy, purpose, and power in how I choose to live each day. This event fills me with motivation and hope, and reminds me that I can still make an impact.

Because this means so much to me, I chose to sponsor myself this year by covering my own registration fee to jumpstart my efforts. I’ve also set a personal fundraising goal to go even further in supporting the Barber National Institute, which provides life-changing services for individuals with disabilities and behavioral health challenges.

If you’re able to contribute, your support goes directly to an incredible cause while also helping me turn this moment into something even bigger than myself.

With gratitude,

Diane