Why I'm Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

I’ve made a couple of bold moves in my career and life, but I’m not sure I would call myself someone who steps out of their comfort zone on a regular basis. Public speaking, meeting new people or working in new industries aren’t intimidating for me. I like to try new things, but it’s scary to put yourself out there without knowing what the outcome will be. This spring, I’m stepping out!

I was nominated by a friend to be one of the 2023 Visionaries of the Year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) . This is a 10-week campaign in which local leaders raise funds to eradicate blood cancers. My friend knew of my niece’s battle with leukemia and thought I would be a great candidate in Dallas.

What I didn’t want to admit when I was presented with the opportunity is that doing this campaign forces me out of my safe space. I am incredibly passionate about helping end blood cancers, but I am not comfortable asking people for money or donations. I’m not a fundraiser or think it’s a skill I’m good at it. But I accepted this challenge and am one of nine visionaries in Dallas. Why? Two reasons: my niece and my sister.

My late niece Abby bravely battled leukemia for most of her young life before finding peace two years ago at the age of 18. My sister, Jessica, dedicated her life to caring for Abby and educating herself to serve as an incredible patient advocate.

Abby and Jessica are my inspiration. Abby lived her life missing a piece of her brain, with vision in only one eye, and fighting to survive cancer for 15 years. Jessica dedicated her life to caring for Abby and was her constant source of support and unconditional love.

They are why I am leaving what’s comfortable to ask for support of LLS. Cancer affects so many people and blood cancers are debilitating for children and adults. LLS is on the front lines of advancing treatment options and clinical trials and is leading the charge in standards of care for pediatric blood cancers, but more help is needed.

• 40% of pediatric cancers are blood cancers
• Only 5% of cancer drugs have been approved for first time use in children
• LLS has invested more than $1.6 billion in cancer research since 1949

The LLS-supported drug, Gleevec, saved Abby’s life when she was diagnosed and helped keep her in remission for many years. In fact, the drug wasn’t even approved for children when her oncologist made the call to give Abby the treatment. We need more treatment options for kids.

I scanned articles about getting out of your comfort zone and learned that the benefits shared by many sources are the growth and confidence that come from taking risks and embracing new challenges. A psychiatrist shared in Psychology Today that leaving your comfort zone can help you deal with change. That felt like a good reason for me since the last two years have been a difficult adjustment for my family.

I want to share the story of Abby’s life to bring inspiration and hope to others and to educate on the need for funding for blood cancer research. Over the next 10 weeks, I will share more about the extraordinary life of Abby, her journey with leukemia and how LLS is not stopping until there is a cure.

I’d love for you to read more of my niece’s story on my campaign page and consider contributing to the mission of eradicating blood cancers. I’m making the ask because I desperately want a world without blood cancers.

If you have a personal connection too, I’d love to hear it. If you want to do more, let me know. If you can’t contribute, I’d appreciate likes and shares. Together we can bring change. Thank you for reading and stepping out to be part of that change.