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Breast Cancer has left an indelible mark on my personal journey, making it a deeply meaningful cause for Awaken Fitness.

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It claimed not just my wife, Amanda, but also another cherished companion, my dog Layla.

Amanda epitomized the strength, confidence, intelligence, determination, independence, courage, and overall badassery of women. A Master Sergeant in the Army with 17 years of service as a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Specialist, she paved the way for future women in the military. Amanda's brilliance, humility, and down-to-earth nature left an enduring impact. Even in the face of her diagnosis, she approached it with resilience, questioning and researching, even stumping doctors with her knowledge of clinical trials.

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A year and a half later, Layla, my loyal and loving dog, faced a similar fate with the same diagnosis.

In her 10 joyful years, Layla provided solace and support, absorbing some of the pain that came with Amanda's passing. Dogs may seem ordinary, but Layla's extraordinary empathy was a comforting presence.

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