Last year, at the age of 30, I found a lump in my left breast after a routine self examination. Thinking not much of it I had scheduled an appointment with an online doctor after my sister told me it's best to just get it looked at. After an ultrasound, mammogram, and a biopsy my life was turned upside down as I was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer which turned out to be in both sides. The news was a devastating shock, but it marked the beginning of an incredibly challenging yet transformative journey.

Facing a diagnosis this aggressive alongside being BRCA1 positive meant enduring rigorous treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a double mastectomy, and other procedures aimed at eradicating the disease and reducing the risk of recurrence. Being BRCA1 positive (a hereditary genetic mutation increasing my risk of cancer) means that I have planned for future surgeries to help reduce cancer recurrence. 

As I reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. I deeply appreciate the unwavering support from family, friends, strangers, and newfound connections online who were also navigating similar journeys. I never felt alone in this fight with so many stepping up wanting to help out. 

I am now raising funds to support breast cancer research, which could make a significant difference in the lives of those currently battling this disease and help prevent future diagnoses. With 1 in 8 women facing a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, I am committed to seeing this statistic either eradicated or significantly reduced during my lifetime.