Erin's Story  "My journey with breast cancer began in 2018 when, at just 25 years old and pregnant with my daughter, Blaire, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. What should have been one of the happiest times of my life quickly became filled with surgeries, treatment, and uncertainty as I prepared to become a first-time mom. Just two years later, after believing I had overcome the disease, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, my world was turned upside down again when I was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. During that year, I endured aggressive treatment that included chemotherapy, radiation, cold capping to preserve my hair, and later 3D nipple tattooing following reconstruction. At the same time, my husband and I were pursuing our dream of growing our family through surrogacy. We experienced the heartbreak of losing our first embryo to miscarriage with our surrogate before finding another incredible surrogate who ultimately carried our son, Connor, who was born in 2022. Looking back, I often wonder how I made it through those years, but they taught me that resilience is built one day, one decision, and one ounce of hope at a time.After years of focusing on survival, I reached a point where I wanted to start living again. In 2024, I decided to cross a lifelong dream off my bucket list by competing in a pageant. What began as a personal challenge became something much bigger when I was crowned Mrs. California United States. The platform gave me the confidence to turn my own experience into a mission of serving others. That journey led me to found Queens Against Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women facing breast cancer regain their confidence through resources like wigs, cold capping assistance, mastectomy bras, and 3D nipple tattoos—the very services that helped me through my own treatment. Today, every woman we support reminds me why resilience matters. My story is no longer just about surviving cancer; it's about creating hope, building community, and ensuring that no woman has to face her diagnosis feeling alone. Lately, I spend my time making memories with my family, working as a 9-1-1 Police Dispatch Manager, and completing my Masters Degree in Public Administration."​