When breast cancer survivor Tawnya Sheffield became the 17th woman in her family to be diagnosed, she faced treatment with strength and determination. She now honors her journey through an annual Pickleball for the Cure fundraiser. This is her story in her own words.
Staying Proactive: My Family History Made Me Vigilant
With a strong family history of breast cancer, I always knew a diagnosis was possible. After all, 16 women on my mother’s side have had the disease.
I’ve always been diligent about getting regular check-ups. Because of my family history, I began getting annual mammograms at age 30. They generally came back clear. Then in the summer of 2013, I received a call from my doctor. He found something that looked odd, and he wanted me back in for a biopsy.
From Biopsy to Diagnosis: A Moment I Was Ready For
Before I even made it home from the biopsy, the office called wanting me to come back again. It was official. I was the 17th woman in my mother’s family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Shawn, my husband (then fiancé), was terrified, but I had been through this before.
I come from a family of fighters. We would deal with my diagnosis of stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma, and I would fight it.
Losing My Cousin and Facing My Own Diagnosis
Two days before I received my diagnosis, my cousin, Tracy, passed away from metastatic breast cancer. We were as thick as thieves and more like sisters than cousins.
Unfortunately, she had been misdiagnosed initially, and by the time doctors realized she had breast cancer, it was stage 4.
The beginning of my treatment was rough. Not just because of the surgeries, but because of the guilt I felt about catching my breast cancer early, while hers had been misdiagnosed and spread.
Breast Cancer Treatment Wasn’t Easy, But I Wasn’t Alone
I underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction, followed by additional surgeries due to complications. My recovery was brutal, but I got through it. I had a great support system of friends and family. We just trucked on through it.
I did not require chemotherapy, but I took tamoxifen for five years following my diagnosis as a measure to reduce my risk of recurrence (coming back). I also had genetic testing and was shocked when I learned I did not carry a gene mutation.
From the MORE THAN PINK Walk to “I Do”
Because of my family’s deep, personal connection to breast cancer, we have always been very vocal supporters of Susan G. Komen.
For years, we’ve participated in our local MORE THAN PINK Walk to raise funds and awareness to support Komen’s mission to end breast cancer. My sister also represented our family at an advocacy summit in Washington, D.C.
After Shawn proposed, he suggested we exchange our vows at the Walk. I agreed, thinking it would just be a small gathering of family and friends at our tent.
After the Komen team learned of our plans, things quickly changed. Shawn and I were married onstage during the Opening Ceremony, two days before my mastectomy.
Organizing My First Pickleball Breast Cancer Fundraiser
As a breast cancer survivor and fundraiser, I have always looked for ways to make a difference. When Komen announced the Pickleball for the Cure program in 2022, I knew I had to sign up to host an event.
I don’t play pickleball, but my dad is an avid pickler. Hosting a fundraising tournament was something we could do together to raise awareness and crucial funds to help support breast cancer research.
We held our first pickleball tournament in September 2022. The event raised $3,500 and drew 33 players. We worked as a team to build a successful event. My dad handled the tournament logistics – bracketing and divisions – and I took on the marketing and fundraising aspects of the event.
Growing Support from the Pickleball Community
Each year, participation in our Pickleball for the Cure tournament grows. In 2023, we registered 53 players and raised $5,300. Last year’s event drew 77 players, and we raised $7,300.
After three years as my co-organizer, Dad decided to retire from the tournament in 2025. In his words, “It’s a lot of work for this old man.” While I’ll miss the one-on-one time with him, my sister and her husband have stepped in to take his place.
The pickleball community is growing in leaps and bounds, and I’ve been amazed by how passionate and supportive they are when they learn about Pickleball for the Cure. I hope to inspire this growing community to pull together – not just to play – but to also help end breast cancer forever.
Pickleball for the Cure is a Go Pink for the Cure program designed to help pickleball enthusiasts organize impactful fundraisers to support breast cancer research and awareness. To learn more about fundraising for Komen through pickleball, visit komen.org/pickleball.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
