I founded Bling for the Battle inspired by my mother, Anna Maria who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer for the first time at the young age of 29. She exemplified a resilience like no other, she fought her battle long and hard, motivated by the desire to overcome the odds for her family and won multiple times. After 32 years of fighting, sadly she lost her battle in August of 2023 at the age of 61.

A Message from my Daughter:

Ma, she wasn’t just a Ma to me or my siblings, but a Ma to our family and a Ma to our friends and even a Ma to our babysitter Hannah. When I was younger, I wanted to be many things a nail artist, a hairstylist, even a pet babysitter. But there was one thing I wanted to be that just stuck even to this day and that was to be exactly like Ma. Growing up with her was an unforgettable experience. I’m sure most of us can agree that she was the most considerate, patient, and caring person you’ll ever meet. No matter how she felt she always made it her mission to make everyone else around her happy. Not only was she selfless but she was also understanding. Ma always knew what to say or do. Most of the time I catch myself saying and I’m pretty sure my mom says this but “What would Ma do” because mama always knew what to do. At first, we were able to just ask her, but now we really have to think about it. I have a feeling this will become a daily ask in our household. I will miss our battles of who loves each other more and the way we would just sit on the couch cuddling together watching either chopped or a movie. Sometimes her presence was all that I really needed. And she was always there. She would answer no matter the time of day.  I remember waking up in the middle of the night terrified after a bad dream and I would call her. She always answered. She would remind me that it was just a dream and she’d then stay on the phone till she knew I was sleeping. Her words and presence comforted me more than anything else could’ve. I have a lot of great memories with ma like the time we played Jenga for an hour straight, our couch sleepovers, baking together, and even just the conversations we had. I know those may not sound exciting, but they were meaningful. And ma can make anything fun. I love everything about her from her laugh, the way she sits on chairs, and the way she did a little dance when we had to taste test the pasta. Ma was a gift, and those who knew her were truly blessed. I love you to the moon and back times infinity.