On January 25, 2021, I was preparing to start a new role, at a new division of our company, excited for the change ahead. But at 8:28 a.m., I received a call that changed everything, "You have cancer." In that moment, I made a decision,not to let cancer win. I started my first meeting with my new boss at 9:00 a.m., determined to fight and live life fully.

The journey was far from easy. After my lumpectomy, I received a second call hearing more scary words, "you have an aggressive cancer, triple-negative breast cancer."  (TNBC) is an aggressive form that grows and spreads faster, with fewer treatment options and a tougher prognosis. TNBC accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers and is more common in women under 40, Black women, and those with a BRCA1 mutation.  When you hear the words "aggressive", well, you can imagine.

My treatment lasted nearly a year, from diagnosis in January to completing radiation in December. Now, in my fourth year, I am grateful to be cancer free. But that's not everyone's story.

On October 25th, I'll be walking as a survivor, in memory of my family members and to support breakthrough research and assistance for those facing breast cancer today. I invite you to join me in this fight?please consider making a donation to help others on their journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your support,

Michelle Huey-Avery