Four Years in Remission: My “Good Job Not Dying” Day

There are anniversaries we mark with cake, candles, maybe even a little confetti. But for me, there’s one day that matters more than any birthday ever will: My “Good Job Not Dying” Day.

On July 1st, I celebrated four years in remission. It is a milestone that means more than I can ever fully express. It’s a day filled with gratitude, reflection, hope, and a quiet kind of strength that comes from knowing just how close things came to going another way (if I had canceled that yearly mammogram like I almost did).

The most incredible news? All of my recent scans and tests show no evidence of cancer. I couldn’t ask for a greater gift.

But while I’m celebrating with my whole heart, I also know this journey isn’t over.

Because my cancer had spread beyond the breast and into so many lymph nodes, my risk of recurrence is higher. I’ll remain in treatment (daily medication, regular scans, and bloodwork) for at least 10 years. At first, I was gutted by that. I’d had five years in my head as the finish line. But honestly? Ten years is okay. I’ll do whatever it takes to stay in this beautiful state of remission.

To celebrate, Rick—my partner in every scan, every unknown, every hard and hopeful day—surprised me with dinner at Lilo, a San Diego restaurant that just earned its first Michelin star. We both agreed: it was the best meal of our lives. The food was incredible, the staff made the celebration so special, but what made it unforgettable was the love and thoughtfulness behind it. That celebration meant everything to me.

And now, I’m turning my attention to something else that means everything: The Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk this November.

I’ll be walking 60 miles with my incredible Miles for Melons team. I’ve been training, preparing, and (most importantly) raising money to support research, patient care, and advocacy.

So in honor of my 4th Good Job Not Dying Day, I’m asking for your help.

Please consider donating to my 3-Day fundraiser. Every dollar helps fund the research that saved my life—and will help save so many others.

Because the more we raise, the more people will get to celebrate their own remission anniversaries, their own “good job not dying” days—with tears, reflection, hope, and maybe even a Michelin-star meal.

From the bottom of my heart—thank you.

xo, Heather