My sister saved my life.

In 2025, we were both diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene mutation and breast cancer with no known family history.

In January, my sister (43) was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, the most aggressive form to treat and cure. She noticed changes only 4 months after a normal 3D mammogram. TNBC grows quickly, typically detected between routine mammograms through physical self or clinical exams. She immediately took action enduring chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a right mastectomy, radiation, a left mastectomy and 13 + hour reconstruction surgery. During her fight, we were both diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene mutation. I was at high risk. At 39, I had my first mammogram which showed dense breast tissue, but was otherwise unremarkable. 2 months later, I underwent an MRI with contrast which showed a right breast mass followed by a benign biopsy. I chose to have a bilateral double mastectomy with a hope to decrease my risk of developing breast cancer by up to 95%, but the surgical pathology was incidentally positive for multi focal (2 areas) high grade (very abnormal fast growing cells) DCIS of the left breast. In retrospect, this was not evident on the MRI. Given my sister's diagnosis, my BRCA2 gene mutation, age, dense breast tissue and diagnosis - the risk of this becoming invasive (if left untreated) was exceptionally high. Gratefully, the margins were clear and surgery was curative!

The BRCA2 gene mutation and breast cancer diagnosis led to life altering decisions and forever changed my future, but my sister (and my team) saved my life. We traveled different paths, but in navigating the unknown, we found our strength in each other. We shared appointment schedules, mastectomy bras, motivational quotes and our greatest fears. We aren't the same women we were before, but change is a powerful thing.

In 2025, I walked the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK WALK in support and 1 month later, I was diagnosed. This year, we will walk together, cancer-free. We walk for each other, our support squad, our family and friends, our medical teams, and all survivors and warriors lives lost - to raise funds and awareness for this disease. Now, we are turning our pain into purpose and experience into action.

In 2021, the FDA approved Keytruda immunotherapy for high risk triple negative breast cancer according to the results of the KEYNOTE-522 trial. 5 years later, in June 2026, the final analysis of the phase 3 trial was presented, establishing the standard of care. My sister's treatment was based on this research. She fought the most aggressive form of breast cancer and today, she has no evidence of disease! So yes, research matters and your donations count. Please consider joining our team and fundraising, donating, walking with us, and sharing our story. Together, we are unstoppable!

From the bottom of our hearts, we appreciate you all!

#breastcancerawareness

#sistersquad

#brca2