Today, October 28th, holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of many others as we celebrate the birthday of our dear friend and Shay’s Warriors co-founder, Aileen Alvarez. Not a day goes by that I do not think of her and the impact she had on my life and so many others.
Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for the journey we shared. Over a decade ago, Aileen, a breast cancer survivor, at the time held my hand through my new diagnosis. After that experience, she knew my innermost fears and thoughts. We bonded over the what-ifs and held each other up. As we grew more passionate about moving forward in life, we looked at the world around us, we saw a profound need. Together, we founded Shay's Warriors, driven by a simple but powerful desire to support survivors navigating life after cancer through mind, body and soulful connections.
Aileen wasn't just my co-founder; she was one of my soul sisters tied for life through the bond of the unimaginable word cancer. While the world remembers her for the impact she made as a local DA, friend, mom and daughter, she also made this impact with so many survivors, I remember her for the late-night talks, our Friday grub day, the shared dreams, and the unwavering bond that grew between us as we turned our experience into a mission. Her strength, vision, and heart were the cornerstones of everything we built.
So much of our planning for Shay's Warriors was about the future—the goals we wanted to reach together. Carrying those dreams forward without her is a profound loss, yet still part of her legacy. Each time we accomplish something big, I still reach for the phone to call her and say, "We did it!"
Today, while the weight of missing her is heavy, I am choosing to focus on the light she brought into my life and the lives of so many others. Aileen, you are missed more than words can express, but your spirit continues to guide Shay's Warriors every single day.
On your birthday, I’m also holding your daughters and your mom close in my heart as we remember and honor you.
Happy Birthday, my friend. Your legacy lives on in every life we touch.
Xo
Shay