Alexis: To me you are:

-Full of Laughter

-Warm and kind

-A good friend

The first time I met you was in 2019. We were next to each other in a kickboxing class and we introduced ourselves and started talking before class. I remember how much I immediately liked you: you were warm, funny and smart! It meant a lot to me that you were so approachable: I get socially intimidated and I immediately felt comfortable talking to you. I also remember being impressed by your career: I don’t meet a lot of females in STEM; I was so impressed you do cancer research!

We became friends as we kept doing the same class schedule and started grabbing a drink or dinner afterwards. One of my favorite memories in class is from a strength session with different stations (jump rope, core exercises etc). One of the stations was throwing roundhouse kicks with Jamaica for 2 minutes. I observed as she held the pad and helped folks improve their technique: walking them through how to better pivot or swing their leg. When she got to you I just stopped and stared! You threw them like a pro: fast and with perfect form such that she kept moving around to challenge you further and you nailed it!

When the pandemic hit I appreciated your support and friendship so much. It was a more lonely time when everyone was scared of each other and scared of getting sick. You loved learning the science of Covid-19 and would share your learnings: I loved asking questions, learning from you and talking about our fears, hopes, dreams etc. The Beer Hall started serving these XL margs outdoors and we would grab them and talk; I was so sad when they stopped!

You love food and always had places on your list you were interested in trying or suggestions of places you love: you introduced me to Micheladas and Tofu Stew! Thank you!

I loved hearing about your research: I could tell how much you wanted to help people and continue to learn and advance science and disappointed you were that your research didn’t get published/ran out of funding.

When you were diagnosed, I remember noticing how calm and scientific you were about trying to understand what was happening in your body. While you were going through ongoing treatment and scans I observed as you still did some boxing classes when you could, I observed as you went back to work. I felt your strength and dedication and felt so lucky to know you.

We had dinner planned in February this year and you had just found out that the cancer had spread. I felt so sad. You seemed to have some acceptance but you were sad for your mom, you were sad you couldn’t watch your niece continue to grow up.

We went on a walk a few days before your surgery in March. It was sunny and calm. We talked about plants, we talked about travel, we talked about good food. I wish I had given you a big hug and told you all you mean to me. Hugs my friend.