To the editor:

I am writing this letter to express my gratitude and support. Although I was unable to be in attendance for the Hampton Roads Praise Fest, I would love to donate to the breast cancer charity. I am very grateful that you choose to go the extra mile to help and support breast cancer.

I was exposed to breast cancer at an early age, and nothing would ever compare to the way that I felt after receiving this devastating news. In 2014, I lost my favorite aunt to breast cancer and years after, her sister and mother were diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn’t imagine myself going through this again years later with a friend of the family. I will never be able to understand how family members find the strength to tell this heartbreaking news. It is an emotional struggle to see someone you love to go through so much pain. Cancer also affects the family, and often we are unable to grasp or understand why. With everything that they have and will endure, I feel that it is important for survivors and those with breast cancer to celebrate themselves.

I am so grateful that you are supporting breast cancer. If there is anything that I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. We’re not through fighting!

Thank you again.

Sharnae McClenny

Franklin