Tara Bruley

Double B's

Tara’s mom, Sue, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2012. She was told her cancer was especially aggressive, and as a result, she was given a life expectancy of 2-5 years. This was shocking and incredibly hard to hear. She endured radiation, 16 rounds of chemotherapy as well as 2 stem cell transplants. It was a long road, but here we are, in 2020, where Sue is about to celebrate her 8 year anniversary in remission!

Her daughter, Tara, found Light The Night online while she was doing some research and thought the idea of walking with others fighting for the same cause would be an unforgettable experience for her family and she was right! She found so much comfort in the sheer number of people showing up to Light The Night for the same reason. Surrounded by the magic of the event, she no longer felt alone. Tara says that when she heard her mom's cancer diagnosis, it led to strong feelings of loneliness and negativity, but there was a moment when she showed up to the walk that first year where she breathed a sigh of relief, instantly feeling the support and togetherness.

What brings the Double B’s back? With the incredible year over year positivity they are experiencing with their mom, they can’t imagine not walking and giving more back to research that helps make her mother’s life possible! Tara believes in the ripple effect of being a part of this community and is proud to share her family’s experience. Every year there is more and more research done, leading to more and more of a difference in the lives of patients and families battling blood cancer. If you can’t walk, donate, if you can’t donate, volunteer. There are so many ways to get involved! Tara hopes to inspire others whose families have received a cancer diagnosis and for them to know they are not alone.

Her story is a great reminder that with everything going on in the world so far in 2020, there are still things to celebrate <3