Personal Stories
After learning she has a BRCA2 gene mutation and undergoing a preventive mastectomy, model and Instagram influencer Erica Jean is using her platform to encourage others to be aware of their breast health and their risk of developing breast cancer.
“I was at home when I got the call,” Lauren said. “We were goig into Labor Day weekend. We had football, we had the Kentucky Derby. That’s what was on my mind.” The call from her doctor, telling her she had stage 2 breast cancer, changed everything.
Monique Eddins was diagnosed in November 2019 with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. An active-duty service member and mother of four, her journey began when she noticed a lump on her left breast. After testing positive for the BRCA gene mutation, Monique worries about her children’s risk of developing breast and other cancers in the future.
Kate Leyder was diagnosed with breast cancer after an MRI for emergency gallbladder surgery showed a mass on her right breast. “I never felt a lump or had any pain,” she said.
Christina Bemis has undergone treatment for breast cancer twice. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to be confident in and comfortable with the treatment decisions you make, the importance of finding a team or doctors who are right for you and having support throughout your journey with breast cancer,” she said.
Mukti Patel learned she had breast cancer in July 2022. “So many thoughts went through my mind when I heard ‘breast cancer,'” she said.
Ellyn learned she had ER+ PR+ breast cancer in March 2022. The diagnosis was a surprise. “There is not a history of breast cancer in my family,” she said.
Elvira Velez was 35 when she was diagnosed triple negative breast cancer. No one in her family except an aunt had ever had breast cancer. Elvira went from not knowing she had any kind of risk for breast cancer to being high risk
LaToya Bolds-Johnson was working as a physician assistant when she learned she had breast cancer. “I was 35. I have three small daughters. I was in disbelief,” she said. “How could I be sick?”
A registered nurse with a family history of breast cancer, Rita Amerio knew it was important to act fast when she discovered a lump.
Richard Williams was in his late 40s when he discovered a lump near his arm pit. He soon learned he had stage 3 breast cancer.
Rebecca Hoon was 35 when she found out she had breast cancer. “I don’t think anyone forgets the first time they hear the word ‘cancer,'” she said. “I asked her how long I had.”
