Since 2021, Avocados From Mexico has partnered with Komen to support breast cancer awareness. They believe everyone should aim to eat ‘good’ fats – avocados have good fats and almost 20 vitamins and minerals that support a healthy lifestyle.
Patricia Johnson is a longtime wellness advocate at her company and healthy living, including eating healthy and exercising, has always been a priority in her life. “I encourage team members to join in our 5K walks and volunteer at community events,” she said.
Volunteering with Komen
Part of Patricia’s work as a wellness advocate included volunteering with Susan G. Komen on everything from prepping event packets to helping with registration and making calls to event participants.
Learning She Had Breast Cancer
In 2016, during her routine wellness exam, Patricia’s doctor felt something in her breast. “My doctor told me I needed to get a biopsy,” she recalled. “I was like, okay, let’s get this looked at, let’s make sure everything is fine. And then I received that dreadful call. I had breast cancer.”
Breast cancer screening and early detection play an important role in people’s health. Screening tests can help find breast cancer at an early stage when chances of survival are highest.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Initially, Patricia was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer and she was grateful for early detection. She opted to undergo a lumpectomy, during which doctors realized the breast cancer was actually stage 2.
Once she recovered from surgery, Patricia’s treatment included chemotherapy and radiation therapy. “My son was in college, and he moved back to help me out, and he was very adamant that I get out and get moving,” she said. “We did a lot of hiking.”
Strong Support Team
Patricia had a strong support system during treatment – from family, friends, coworkers and the people she’d met volunteering for Komen. “I even formed my own team for our local Komen event,” she said.
Staying Active in Treatment
While undergoing treatment, Patricia kept herself active. “My exploration in nature increased and that definitely made me feel better,” she explained. “I felt the need to stay active and be positive throughout treatment. That kept me encouraged and helped take my mind off of things.”
Patricia found being outdoors and hiking, one of her favorite activities, helped boost her physically and mentally. “I’d really encourage others to get out and move. Everybody is going to have a different treatment plan or be going through different things, but it’s a good way to take your mind off what you’re going through,” Patricia said. “You gain strength mentally and physically.”
Living a Healthy Lifestyle
Now out of treatment for eight years, Patricia continues to have no evidence of disease. “I’m in a new season, seeking my new normal,” she said. “I continue my active lifestyle, I eat healthy – avocados and guacamole are my favorite snacks – and I continue to stay connected with my breast cancer community.”
Patricia has no plans to slow down. She loves hiking in the Texas Hill Country and at state parks in Oklahoma and Arkansas. She’s traveled further, too. “Last year we did Bryce Canyon and Zion in Utah,” she said. “And in a couple of months I’m heading to Oregon to explore some of the trails there. There’s so much to see.”
Learn more about Avocados From Mexico’s partnership with Komen here, and try one of their avocado recipes.
To learn more about living a healthy lifestyle after a breast cancer diagnosis, please visit komen.org.
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 health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
