I was diagnosed with stage 3 ER+ breast cancer in June 2013. At that time, I had three young children in grade school: two girls and a son. Our son was born with a rare genetic deletion, now called BBSOAS. This condition causes epilepsy, developmental delays, and autism. Michael is non-verbal and attends school in a special needs classroom. He needs around-the-clock care. The medical and healthcare experiences with my son equipped me to advocate for myself after my breast cancer diagnosis. I asked important questions to all health professionals, sought second opinions, and received treatment that consisted of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted hormone therapy. I also participated in a clinical trial while going through treatment. I felt blessed to have received the support needed throughout my cancer journey. From this experience, I became very educated about many aspects of breast cancer that most people do not realize.

One of the first lessons I learned is that breast cancer is not the “easy cancer,” and the pink ribbon does not adequately define the complexities of the disease. Although awareness campaigns have increased visibility, they often overlook the realities faced by those living with breast cancer. The journey is filled with physical pain, emotional turmoil, and a significant impact on family life. Once the initial shock of diagnosis wore off, I became well aware of the brutal facts: a significant number of women diagnosed with breast cancer face metastatic disease, meaning their cancer could spread to other parts of the body. The statistics can be sobering. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 30% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will subsequently develop metastatic breast cancer (MBC). MBC is stage IV breast cancer and there is no cure. People with MBC remain in treatment until the treatments fail and the medical profession has no other options to treat. Understanding these statistics motivated me to channel my energies toward advocacy, education, and funding research.

After my treatment ended, I realized that I wanted to do more for others who had walked a similar path. This yearning to create change and provide support led me to start a small grassroots non-profit in Louisville, KY, called Twisted Pink. Our mission is to provide hope and connection to people living with metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer by funding bold breakthroughs in research and increasing awareness of the disease. It was through extremely challenging times that I found my calling. In the past ten years, we have donated over two million dollars to metastatic breast cancer research. These funds have gone towards innovative research initiatives aimed at finding new treatments and improving the quality of life for patients. Additionally, we provide various support programs to patients and their families, acknowledging the emotional toll that cancer can take on loved ones. We are growing into a National Non-Profit Organization!

Once you have breast cancer, you are unwittingly inducted into a community—a club you never wanted to join. However, within this membership, I encountered fierce warriors, compassionate souls, and people whose resilience inspired me daily. I met women and men who had fought battles for years, sharing their stories of hope, grief, and empowerment. These encounters filled my heart with a profound sense of camaraderie. I quickly understood that while our journeys might differ, we shared an unbreakable bond grounded in understanding and mutual support.

Furthermore, entering into this partnership of advocacy broadened my perspective on life in ways I could never have imagined. I discovered that there are many ways to live fully, even when stricken by illness. I found joy in the mundane and beauty in the little moments of joy that life offers. One of my most cherished experiences in recent years has been seeing my daughters attend college and graduate. This is something I never thought possible eleven years ago, after my breast cancer diagnosis. I truly thought my life would be ending after waking up from surgery and watching my husband and best friend with tears in their eyes as they waited for me to regain consciousness.

Opening my eyes and seeing their tears was a pivotal moment for me; it served as a wake-up call. It made me realize that life is just a series of moments, and we should take full advantage of each one. The mundane thrills, from sharing laughter with my daughters to experiencing the excitement of a television show, became symbols of resilience and renewal for me. This shift in perspective reminded me that life continues to present opportunities to cherish every moment, regardless of the surrounding challenges.

Advocacy work gave me a greater purpose. Each day, I am reminded that there is still so much to learn, so many lives to impact, and countless stories waiting to be told. I find that my experience allows me to inform and empower others as they navigate their own cancer journeys. Whether it’s guiding newly diagnosed patients through their first appointments or participating in community outreach, I aim to use my voice for those who may be too afraid to speak up.

Creating Twisted Pink has allowed me to serve a greater cause and it enables healing for myself. Each day our team engages with fellow survivors and support families, we are reminded of why advocacy is vital. As I reflect on my journey from that fateful diagnosis to the vibrant life I lead today, I recognize a profound truth: adversity can illuminate paths we never thought possible. We hope you join us!