This International Women’s Day, the theme “Give to Gain” reminds us that progress does not happen in isolation. It happens when we show up for one another. It happens when we invest in women’s health, amplify women’s stories and stand alongside every woman who is navigating their own experience with breast cancer. Giving is not a subtraction. It is an intentional multiplication.
At Susan G. Komen, we see the truth of this every day. When a woman shares her story of living with breast cancer, she gives more than words. She gives strength to someone newly diagnosed. She gives perspective to a caregiver. She gives urgency to the work of researchers and advocates. And in that exchange, we all gain hope, connection and momentum.
Today, we honor some of the powerful stories we’ve heard over the past year. These stories are proof that when experiences are shared, or given, perspective and hope are gained.
Sabrina Thomas: When the Caregiver Needs Care
Sabrina’s life revolved around her son, who has special needs. But when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, she took her research and advocacy experience and used it on herself.
“I don’t have to be superwoman. At all. You know, I just need you to be a real person with real emotions and real feelings. And that cancer can’t break me. You know? It actually built me, you know, it’s building me to be a better person, more understanding, more grateful, having more gratitude.”
Listen to Sabrina’s story on the Real Pink Podcast.
Gaby Natale: Embracing It All
After Emmy-award winning entrepreneur and speaker Gaby was diagnosed with breast cancer, she and her husband shaved their heads together. She embraced wigs, turbans and headwraps, and even had a photo shoot to document her new look.
“You can be vulnerable and vibrant. Sick and still yourself. In treatment and still powerful.”
Read Gaby’s first-person blog.
Monique Stamps: Health Equity Hero
Monique fights for accessible, equitable and high-quality health care, especially for women with disabilities. She champions equal access to breast and OB/GYN care and advocates for inclusion and equality.
“I’m just hoping that things don’t go back. But even if they do, the determination and fight that people with disabilities have in us gives me hope. We never stop pushing for change. So that alone gives me hope.”
Listen to Monique on the Real Pink Podcast.
Joi White: Clarity After Cancer
Joi’s breast cancer journey included setbacks, including an adverse reaction to radiation and infections. It was tough, but it brought clarity. She learned to prioritize herself and her health and encourages others to do the same.
“Breast cancer changed my outlook by giving me clarity. It made me radically intentional. I no longer pour into spaces or people who don’t honor me. Now I protect my peace. I trust my intuition. I show up fully, even if that means resting when I need to.”
Linda Norman: Moving and Managing MBC
Years after her breast cancer diagnosis, Linda was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). She quickly learned that exercise and physical therapy were the keys to feeling better.
“Physical therapy kept me motivated to keep moving. It’s hard to be motivated when you feel awful, but exercise is something that is so beneficial for your mind and body.”
Roxanne Caletena: Focusing on Fitness
As a young breast cancer survivor, Roxanne found strength both literally and figuratively – while working out. She regularly attended boxing classes and completed a half-marathon at the beginning and end of her treatment.
“This journey opened up my vulnerability, and I was amazed to see how many people out there wanted to help me and show their support and love. I am so grateful for that.”
Read more on Roxanne’s experience.
Kayla Alexander: Going the Distance
Kayla, a group fitness instructor in her 20s, never expected to hear the words “breast cancer” so early in her life. She was determined to go the distance in her breast cancer journey, and she found herself along the way.
“Cancer has made me journal more, speak more freely, be happier each day and appreciate life more. I did lose some friends who could not handle watching me go through what I did, but I gained more amazing friends who I wouldn’t imagine tomorrow without.”
Tina: Empowered by Education
Twenty years before her own breast cancer diagnosis, Tina’s friend underwent treatment for breast cancer. Tina researched her friend’s diagnosis and treatment, which gave her a better understanding of what she was going through. She continued to research when she was diagnosed in 2020, which helped her acknowledge and accept what was happening to her body. She encourages others to do their own research and participate in clinical trials.
“I believe people should be active in their treatment and educate themselves, so they’ll know what to expect.”
Shawna Bramel: Embracing the Emotional
After suffering a heartbreaking miscarriage, Shawna was dealt another tough blow – a stage 2B, triple negative breast cancer diagnosis. As a medical social worker, she knew how she would help her cancer patients, so she turned her expertise on herself. Now a cancer survivor, she cherishes her family more each day.
“I put on my social work hat and went into full-force fight mode. I researched everything and familiarized myself with treatment options so I could make informed decisions for myself.”
Luana Maddelena: Trust Your Instincts
When Luana discovered a lump in her breast, she knew she needed to get it checked – and she knew she wanted a second opinion. She advocated for herself and is now a breast cancer survivor and fundraiser for breast cancer research.
“My cancer wasn’t detected by a mammogram; it was detected by me. You have to be in tune with yourself and keep up with your self-checks.”
Alexis Ruggles: Raising Kids, Raising Awareness
Life doesn’t slow down when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer – just ask Alexis. She made her family – which includes her husband and their three children – and friends a priority while fighting stage 3 triple positive breast cancer. She spread awareness about breast cancer in her community, too.
“It brought amazing people into my life – and it excused people that don’t fit anymore. It brought my husband and me closer, my kids learned what strength looks like and we spread awareness about breast cancer in our community.”
Behind every story above is a woman who chose courage over silence. These women gave their stories so someone else could find strength. They shared their voices so another woman could feel seen. They gave their truth so progress could move forward.
That is the power of giving to gain. That is the power of Komen. That is the power of women.
