What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands?

I’m a big fan of pop music and radio hits, but I also have been a lifelong fan of musical theater. Some of my favorite artists that inspire me are Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis?

I have been singing for my entire life. Some of my earliest memories are singing songs with my mom over and over again, singing in choir from elementary school through high school, participating in some musicals at school, and being a part of show choir and an acapella group in high school. Music has always been a huge part of my life, listening to music and singing gives me so much serotonin. I have never been a runner, but I imagine it’s what a “runners high” feels like 😂

Can you share a little bit about your cancer story?

I was diagnosed in late summer 2024 with a rare blood cancer called High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Excess Blasts. This is a cancer normally seen in the older population and is uncommon in my age (diagnosed right after turning 31). This was a huge shock, and terrifying as a mama of a then 2 and 4 year old. I went through 3 rounds of outpatient chemotherapy and then was admitted for a bone marrow transplant in January 2025. I had a really tough time with transplant, but am doing much better now as I recover and try to find my new normal. I am so thankful and grateful to be home with my babies and get to watch them grow up!

Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way?

Music has definitely helped me cope through my cancer diagnosis. I listened to the same songs on repeat right after diagnosis that I felt very connected to, and that helped me try and get some perspective on the situation. I was unable to sing for a while during and after transplant due to severe mucositis, and now being able to sing again makes me feel like I’m myself again.

What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience?

I met a fellow play it back artist via posting about my cancer journey on tiktok. She lives in the same state as me, and we originally connected due to getting treatment at the same hospital. It wasn’t until later that I found out about teen cancer America from her, and then play it back! Having cancer and then finding the play it back program has really helped me recognize how big of a dream creating music is for me. It always has been my dream to be a singer and to create, and now I realize this is my opportunity to go for it! I have never had the confidence to pursue this dream in the past… but getting a cancer diagnosis has a way of changing your perspective. Time is limited, you never know what is going to happen, so it has given me motivated and made me want to give this my all. I feel so lucky to have found this program. It has brought me so much joy already, and my sessions with Kenli are one of my highlights of my week!

If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it?

My main interest is in creating pop music. I love when a song has meaningful words or a message, but also makes you want to groove along and dance!