I was diagnosed with breast cancer on June 16, 2017. IDC stage 1 grade 1 ER+ PR+Her2-

This whole journey started for me as I regularly went for a mammogram since my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50. My mammo’swould come back all the time as dense and “see younext year.” Well, in 2017 I went for my yearly mammo and my gynecologist at the time insisted I take the BRACA test with my sister to see if we tested positive for any mutations.  Although I did not test positive for BRACA, I tested high positive for both the CHEK2 mutation and the MUYTH mutation (breast and colorectal cancer)

That finally made insurance approve a mammogram in the tube. That is when they found something, decided to do an ultrasound, and then ultimately a biopsy.

When I was given the news of “you have breastcancer I literally went numb in the doctor’s office. I was 38 and I looked over to my husband who was visibly upset. It was like an out-of-body experience, like I was watching what was going on but not fully comprehending it.  At that moment, I snapped back into real time and decided to fight and be as POSITIVE as possible! The doctor was phenomenal and broke it down to me. She said I needed to have a double mastectomy and if I wanted reconstruction, there were a bunch of doctors she worked with.

June 16, 2017 started my journey… a journey I am still navigating. I have had 10 surgeries. I had a double mastectomy with latissimus flap reconstruction.  I went through 3 sets of implants and issues with encapsulation, scar tissue issues, loss of feeling in 8 of my fingers, fat grafting issues…the list goes on.  I ultimately decided 2 years ago that enough is enough…I had EVERYTHING removed!  I am now a “flattie,” I had a full flat closure and could not be happier.

2017 is when I decided, with some nudging from my sister Valerie, to start a team and start fundraising for SGK North Jersey.

The Suzanne’s Breast Friends Team was formed, and we completed our 1st walk at Liberty State Park in 2018.  My team has consistently dominated the Top Family teams bracket and I take pride in knowing that we ARE making a difference.

Suzanne’s Breast Friends has raised over $74,000 in 8 years and as the Team Captain I have raised over $53,700 of that total!  

To be asked to be a Komen New Jersey Founding Board Member 2 years ago solidified the work and hustle that I have been doing for these Walks. And to be able to BRING THE WALK BACK TO North New Jersey is the best gift yet!