In 2017, The Skating Club of Boston partnered with the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation to raise money for cancer research. I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Scott visiting children in the Pediatric Oncology department at Mass General Hospital. The experience was inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time. This year, Scott is partnering with The Skating Club of Boston again to celebrate the opening of their brand new facility in Norwood, MA. All proceeds go to Scott Hamilton CARES, Mass General Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

This cause is very important to me as I have lost many family friends, loved ones, and even my beloved dog, Sasha, to cancer. In April 2019, The Skating Club of Boston lost an integral member of its community and a dear friend, Cleo Theodoropolus to Ewing Sarcoma at the age of 16. Cleo came into the rink everyday with a big smile on her face and a positivity that was contagious to everyone. She was truly a bright light in our skating community. Cleo was treated in the teen division at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Later that year, in September, my beautiful grandmother passed away four weeks after a Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis. She was such a special part of my life and made all of her grandchildren feel important and loved everyday. To be a part of my skating, she purchased every one of my competition dresses. We are extremely appreciative of the care she received at Mass General’s Cancer Center.

This year, The Skating Club of Boston has big goals to help “Turn Cancer Upside Down.” I hope you will consider donating in honor or in memory of a loved one. When we come together, we can make a difference.