How One Life Changing Journey Became The Napa Vine Pass

“You have cancer.” Three words no person ever wants to hear. Yet on February 17, 2020, this became my reality.

My world changed that day as I began to understand my lymphoma diagnosis and the uncertain road ahead. Over the following days, I learned that I had “won” the lottery of lymphomas. My subtype is rare and, while treatable, is not considered curable. I would likely be living with the possibility of it returning for the rest of my life.

Fear. Uncertainty. Questions. Now what?

COVID-19 restrictions made an already difficult experience even harder. Between countless blood draws, tests, and treatments, visitors weren’t allowed. I went through much of the process alone in the hospital, which only amplified the uncertainty of what might happen if my treatment plan wasn’t successful.

Somewhere in the middle of it all, I came up with a new mantra...

Move It Forward

I wasn’t going to let cancer define me. I would define what came next, and I would live life on my terms, focus on what I could control, and "Move it Forward."

Thankfully, my body responded well to treatment, and I’m grateful to say that I am in full remission as I write this today.

Looking back, there are a few things I would share with anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, either personally or through someone they love.

First, cancer is no longer a death sentence. Treatments continue to advance, and many cancers are becoming increasingly manageable, with better outcomes and longer lives for patients.

The impact on family can be just as challenging as the treatments themselves. Cancer is a mental and emotional journey, and in many ways, that journey doesn’t simply end when treatment does. Hold your loved ones close, live in the moment, and trust the medical team that is helping guide you through it.

Mindset matters. Become your own advocate and ask questions. Stay engaged in your care. Take care of yourself through healthy choices, exercise, and whatever helps you maintain your strength and perspective.

Moving It Forward To Napa

As a lifelong resident of Rochester, New York, how did I end up in Napa? For one, Napa was a perfect match for my love of wine and hospitality, with endless opportunities to grow my career and deepen my knowledge. It also allowed me to continue my wine education through the Court of Master Sommeliers certification program.

And there was another deeper connection. My partner and I had visited wine country for Valentine’s Day in 2017, and we half-joked that maybe we should move here someday. Well, that someday arrived in August 2021.

We packed up our lives and made Northern California our home. With my treatment behind me, it felt like the right time to "Move It Forward."

My partner and I sold our homes along with most of our belongings and began a completely new chapter of life. Ursula, my family, and those closest to me have always been there for me, and I am incredibly grateful.

Why I'm Sharing My Story

September is Lymphoma Awareness Month, and I decided it was time to share more of my story in the hope that it might lift someone else who is dealing with cancer.

I’ve been very private about much of my journey. Part of that was because I didn’t want the people around me to worry or to see me differently. But I’ve learned that sometimes sharing your story can help someone else feel a little less alone.

To my partner, family, and friends, please know that I’ve got this.

The Napa Vine Pass Connection

The story of the Vines of Napa is deeply intertwined with my own cancer journey. When I created the Vine Pass, I naturally wanted it to be about more than wine. I wanted to help our community and support others going through a life-changing moment.

That’s why we donate $10 from every Napa Vine Pass sold to the UCSF Cancer Center, donating thousands of dollars each year.

My cancer team at UCSF has been incredible, and I’m deeply grateful to have access to world-class physicians and advanced treatments here in the Bay Area.

When purchasing the Napa Vine Pass, you’re not only discovering some of Napa Valley’s incredible boutique family wineries, you’re also helping us "Move It Forward" by supporting cancer care and research.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

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