2026 Komen Triangle Race for the Cure
Michael Mendonca
Welcome to Kristen's Page
This year, I joined the Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I am dedicated to Komen's mission of ending breast cancer forever, and I need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today in support of my fundraising efforts.
Doctors diagnosed me with breast cancer in early November 2025. Based on the early detection, the doctors thought that a lumpectomy followed by radiation would have been the best approach. The first lumpectomy did not result in clear margins, which means I needed a re-excision. The two additional re-excisions still did not result in clear margins.
After doing a ton of research, I decided a double mastectomy with reconstruction was the best option for me. I had my double mastectomy on March 12, 2026. It turns out that was the best decision I could have made, as the pathology came back that there was still cancer and it had spread to other areas, which did not show on any of the scans.
I am walking for myself and all other women who have had to and continue to fight this battle, as well as for awareness. Early detection saved my life, and I want to spread awareness of the importance of routine scans and self exams.
