Personal Stories
Julie Culpepper faced over a decade of benign breast lumps and regular screenings, believing her breast cancer risk was low. But when her sister and mother were diagnosed and Julie developed additional pre-cancerous conditions, her risk changed, forcing her to make a decision that led to a challenging road to recovery.
After receiving the news she had breast cancer, Wendy DeWeerd faced her diagnosis head-on. In the midst of treatment, she’s stepping up to do more by sharing her breast cancer story and fundraising to help end breast cancer through her local Race for the Cure.
To the Men Who Show Up Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the steady, quiet love of the men who help hold families together. Every day fathers, husbands, grandfathers, uncles, sons, brothers and friends walk beside their loved ones through life’s most difficult moments. At Susan G. Komen, we know that breast cancer doesn’t […]
Jinny was devastated to learn she had breast cancer. “The word ‘cancer’ just breast your heart,” she said. “I have no family history. Recovery hasn’t been easy, but I’ve pushed through every challenge.”
Ann was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer in 2019. As she went through treatment, her colleagues rallied around her. “Everyone was there for me, cheering me on,” she said.
Loretta has had treatment for breast cancer twice, first in 2014 and again in 2024. She also tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation. “Know your body, do your research, get a second opinion,” she says. “You are your own best advocate.”
Mari Montesano, patient navigator and manager of Komen’s Breast Care Helpline, discusses how she and her team provide support and guide patients through the emotional and mental challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis. No one should ever have to face a breast cancer diagnosis alone. After the unexpected shock, most people experience a tidal wave […]
“You don’t understand, lady. From what I’m seeing on the screen, this is a highly suspicious lump. If I were you, I’d get ready for next steps,” said the radiologist. Next steps? The only “next step” I had in mind five minutes earlier in the waiting room was whether I’d stop for regular coffee or […]
Katie had big milestones to enjoy in 2024. She planned to celebrate both her 40th birthday and wedding anniversary on a trip to Italy, but everyday life got in the way. “We had construction going on at our house, so we decided to postpone the trip until we had less worries at home,” Katie said. “So, I decided to schedule my first mammogram instead.” What she thought would be routine screening turned out to be a life-changing journey.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner. People living with breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer share stories of the unconditional love and support they’ve received from their mothers and children.
Sarah has dense, fibrocystic breasts, so she was used to going in for mammograms and breast ultrasounds on a regular basis. Then, in 2024, after a routine mammogram, Sarah was told she needed a biopsy. “Everything snowballed after that,” she said. The biopsy confirmed she had breast cancer.
Donnina learned she had breast cancer in November 2024. While she does have a history of breast cancer on her father’s side of the family, genetic tests were negative. This is her story in her own words. A Complicated Relationship I’ve always had a complicated relationship with my breasts. They started growing when I was […]
