Personal Stories
When Amanda learned she had breast cancer, she wasn’t prepared for how fast everything moved. “I was diagnosed at the end of October, by the second week of November I had my egg retrieval surgery and then a week after that, I began chemotherapy,” she said. “In three weeks, I did all of that.”
Six years ago, Beth Porreca learned she had stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). “I had no idea what IBC was,” Beth said. “I had a rash and some swelling. I honestly thought I was having an allergic reaction. I was wrong. I had more than a rash.” Watch Beth’s story in her own words.
For over a year, Jeanelle tried to convince her doctor that something was wrong. “I had leaking from one of my breasts and it felt heavy,” she said. “But my doctor kept telling me I was too young for breast cancer.” The day Jeanelle felt a lump, she knew it was time to advocate for herself and push for a mammogram.
Krystina never imagined she would be diagnosed with breast cancer at 35. Discovering a small lump ultimately led to a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and the detection of an BRCA1 inherited gene mutation. As she navigated treatment, fertility decisions and the challenges of being a young woman with breast cancer, she found a community of survivors who helped her realize she wasn’t alone.
Breast cancer support has come in many forms for Amanda Crespo, from the care of her oncologist, Dr. Samina Ahmed, to the peer mentor who helped her navigate treatment. Now a peer mentor herself, Amanda will join Dr. Ahmed at the Komen Orange County Pink Tie Party, where Dr. Ahmed will be recognized for her commitment to the breast cancer community as a Pink Tie Partner.
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.
After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis at 35, Sheila learned she had a BRCA2 inherited gene mutation and faced difficult decisions about surgery and reconstruction. Throughout her experience, she learned the importance of advocating for herself and choosing what was right for her.
Suzanne Engle never thought a small symptom would lead to her first breast cancer diagnosis 20 years ago. Then, after 17 years of clear mammograms, she found herself facing breast cancer again. Today, the two-time breast cancer survivor shares how advances in treatment changed her experience and reinforced her belief in the power of research.
After undergoing treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in 2023, Deneil Baldwin believed the hardest days were behind her. Two years later, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. As she faced another round of treatment and difficult surgical decisions, her son found his own meaningful way to support her and help others affected by breast cancer.
How your support helped make Gail’s Law a realityBy: Nikki Panico When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 39, I never imagined where that journey would lead me. Today, as a two-time breast cancer survivor and Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Wisconsin, I have the privilege of meeting incredible people every day: survivors, […]
After facing breast cancer three times, including a metastatic breast cancer (MBC) diagnosis in 2018, Winnie Marquart is using her experience to help others. As the 2026 honorary chair for the Wisconsin MORE THAN PINK Walk, she hopes to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, access to high-quality care and research.
Maty was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. “I was in shock, but I was also in ‘let’s get this done mode,’” she said. “The doctor had given recommendations for an oncologist, a radiologist, and a breast surgeon. I was already making appointments. I was ready to get things done, to move on.”
