After numerous mammograms and ultrasounds, I always felt in the back of my mind that something was not right. It took me being in tune with my body to realize that I needed to be my own advocate and make the call to Dr. Susan O‘Connor. She in fact, made the decision to order a breast MRI which then confirmed (DCIS) ductal carcinoma in situ / estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor positive and that 80 percent of my right breast had cancer.  That day changed my life. I was of course in disbelief, my mind shifted to my family and I asked myself “how would I beat this terrible disease?”

My journey began at the Layfette Cancer Center where my doctor said that a lumpectomy was not an option and that I would need to lose my breast. I was in shock, but decided that I would proactively have a double mastectomy.  Although the surgery was one of the most difficult days I have ever faced, coming out of surgery with the reconstruction process having already begun allowed me to face the overwhelming road ahead with hope. Through each process of five surgeries and tattooing of my areolas, I moved one step closer to the ultimate goal of overcoming breast cancer and reclaiming my life. I am very excited to be a part of the Pink Runway Project and I look forward to helping women make their way through this life changing experience.