I was 35 without immediate family history, no known risk factors and rarely performed self checks but this night I felt it and I knew immediately. My first thought was “oh my god, my girls”. I knew if this was what I thought it was, they would instantly be at higher risk for the same fate. It’s because of them that the next day May 31st, I scheduled an appointment with my provider for that sane day. I didn’t wait. Knowing me, I would have normally waited days, weeks or even months. Not waiting saved my life, and my hope is that by sharing my story it could save another life.

Everything from that point was a haze, but I had been diagnosed with Stage2b Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Grade 3. I was quickly thrust into 6 months of chemo + immunotherapy followed by a bilateral mastectomy. That of course did not come without side effects that are long lasting, and we quickly realized there was a gaping hole in treatment of cancer as we watched countless women battle not only this life threatening disease, but also took on new enormous financial burdens. Scientists are killing the cancer, but who is looking after the patients wellbeing?

Thankful for science and modern medicine, because my treatment plan was intended to CURE, and that’s what it did! Now that I am approaching the end, or maybe new beginning of this journey my goal is to help others along theirs and close this gap.