Stories about breast cancer that can inspire and inform

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Tiffany’s Story: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, I Know I Have to Advocate for Myself

When Tiffany was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, her world was shattered. “Never delay an appointment if there’s a problem. It’s really a matter of life and death. Advocate for yourself. Black women especially need to push for earlier appointments, ask questions and hold medical professionals accountable for doing their jobs efficiently and promptly.”

Shannon’s Story: Climbing the Mountain

Shannon is the third woman in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. “I remember hearing about methods where mountain climbers will look ahead to a specific spot on their trail and make a goal to just get to that next spot,” she said. “This is what I did during my treatment and continue to do. I envisioned the top of a mountain being the end of chemo, as that was one of my biggest mountains to climb.”

Stephanie’s Story: Nothing Can Stop Me After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis 

In March 2022, Stephanie Hargis felt a lump in her right breast. “I went to the doctor, but I really thought, along with the nurses and doctors, that it was just a swollen lymph node,” Stephanie said. Breast cancer didn’t cross her mind. “The lump was painful, but I don’t have a family history and I was only 25.”  

Pillars of Hope

Jaya Kataria’s son, Rishi, was just 13 when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. After watching her perseverance in the face of her illness, Rishi knew he wanted to give back to the breast cancer community, which is when he launched Pillars of Hope and began making candles to raise money to support Susan G. Komen’s mission to end breast cancer forever.

Lucie’s Story: I Had Zero Risk Factors for Breast Cancer. I Got it Anyway.  

Lucie had no family history of breast cancer and was under 40 when she was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma and DCIS. “My doctor reminded me that my diagnosis wasn’t a death sentence and she was thankful that we caught it early,” Lucie said. “Despite delivering this devastating news, she gave me hope.”