Not long after Maren was born one of my dearest friends, David Uprichard, was diagonsed with glioblastoma.  I have a memory etched in my brain of him coming to meet Maren (not long before his diagnosis).  We sat on a bench and looked out at the East River and talked about the highs and lows of raising a family.  It was sunny and warm.  Maren was probably 8 weeks old and was sleeping on my chest.   Some people just fit into your life like you knew them forever, a special ease of understanding each other.  David was that to me.   He was also so vibrant and I admire how he perservered through his diagnosis as long as he could.  We lost him on November 5th, 2019 - an open wound in my heart that I've learned to live with.

Amy Parry is another amazing friend who just naturally and easily became an important part of my life.  We met through Masters swimming in Milwaukee (incidentally David and I swam together with Red Tide masters in NYC).  I don't know a ton of people in Milwaukee and Amy has been great about being friendly in the locker room, inviting me to do stuff, and introducing me to other friends.  Amy and I will sit at the coffee shop or go for long walks and talk about everything - work, family, swimming, how complicated life can be.  I've only known Amy for a few years but I feel like I've known her forever and like David, she's one of the best people I've ever met. 

I don't know why these aggressive brain cancers have to exist, but I am all-in on supporting the amazing researchers working to find better treatments and the organizations supporting patients.  Thanks for considering a donation.  

xoxo,

Hayley