THE STORY BEHIND THE AOK TOURNAMENT

What a difference a year makes! Since my breast cancer diagnosis in November 2008, I have certainly had a lot of changes in my life. Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, words that once seemed like a foreign language are now topics of our dinner conversations.

My name is Amy O’Connell Keith (AOK). I was 38 when I found a lump in my breast that turned out to be Invasive Ductal Carcinoma; stage 2 breast cancer. I went through six months of treatment at the Avon Center at Mass General Hospital. I lost my hair, I lost my appetite, I put my life on hold to save my life. What a small price to pay! I am happy to report that after finishing my last radiation treatment in June I started running again and finished my first half marathon in November. After almost 10 years living with a fear of flying, I flew to San Francisco with my husband. How ironic that there is a hockey tournament in my name when up until September I didn’t even know how to skate. After being inspired by the AOK Tournament last May, I have sharpened the skates and am learning the exciting game of hockey.

A breast cancer diagnosis changes not only your life, but the lives of your family, your friends, your neighbors; it changes the way you think about yourself, your body, your health, your life. Unfortunately most of those changes are not positive ones. But in my case, there have been many positive changes in my life. My family has learned that we can face challenges and hear bad news and overcome it. I have faced my fears and overcome them. The women in my life have become more aware of the early signs of breast cancer and are careful to make their own mammogram appointments. Through the AOK Tournament, many have been given the opportunity to support breast cancer awareness and the Avon Foundation.

In the past year I have been through a lot. Some days it’s hard to believe it even happened. But with the love and support of my family, friends and community, it hasn’t been in vain. Thank you to Iorio Arena and the AOK Tournament for raising breast cancer awareness and supporting the Avon Foundation. Team AOK will walk 40 miles in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer again in May 2010. Thank you for all of your help.

I am the very grateful recipient of the love and support of so many and that has truly been a gift.

Thank you,

Amy O’Connell Keith
Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, hockey player, breast cancer survivor