Hi! My name is Talene Amirkhanian, and I am a part of the Upstate Gymnastics family - but we are not here for me! While I am supposed to be the boss, we all really know it's Amber McKenna [maiden name Hansen for my old school Upstate crew :) ] who keeps the ship afloat, and she needs our help! Cue the bat signal! Very recently she was diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma. She discovered a lump on her neck in August, and it has been a complete whirlwind since then full of doctor's appointments (so many appointments), needle pokes, scans, stitches, and surgeries. She will begin chemo soon, and it is time for us to jump into action. She is my absolute best friend who has been there for me since we were kids, and it is hard knowing this is something I can't fix for her because she has ALWAYS been there for me. Why oh why did I not go to medical school and find a cure for cancer?!  Probably because I pass out from medical things, so I may have made the right call, but it is hard not being able to do more for such a deserving person. She has also been there for hundreds of kids, our gymnastics families and coaches, and the best way I feel I can help is to create this fundraiser to offset the major medical costs associated with cancer. They are major. Anything will help. Truly anything. I hope you are able to help me help the best friend, wife, daughter, Ironman, dog and cat mom, and gymnastics coach in all the world - sorry Bela Karolyi you've been replaced. I know she would be floored to see how many people have her back, and I would be eternally grateful for everyone's help in giving Amber and her family one less thing to worry about during this trying time. If you are not comfortable donating here, you can also send a check to the Upstate Gymnastics PO Box (checks made out to Amber McKenna - PO Box 768, Pendleton, SC 29670) or donate directly to her Venmo (@Amber-McKenna-16) So many thanks in advance for sticking with me this long, and for any support you are able to send our Amber!