my innaugural speaking event

The LPGA ladies, Beth Bader, Val Skinner, me and Christina Kim.

Yesterday was a busy day. I went from Taxol number 4 to the 20th Anniversary Steven A Cox Charity Classic at NJ National Golf Club in Basking Ridge, NJ. It was fantastic! First we went to the cocktail party, well I sat there and recovered from my predrugs and chemo. Then we sat out on the patio and had dinner with 4 LPGA ladies and then program started. The first speaker was a Star Ledger columnist, then my amazing Oncologist Dr. Toppmeyer who impresses me more and more each day and then my turn. I like to call myself the keynote speaker. haha My speech is below. From what I hear, I brought one of the LPGA ladies to tears. After the party, I got autographs and photos with the LPGA ladies and then many of the men came up and hugged me and thanked me for being so inspirational and congratulated me on a job well done.

I have to say it was an amazing experience and I can not wait to take my story on the road. I think inspiring people with the bad hand that I was dealt is the perfect way to make it so positive.

My story and how the CINJ Life Center has helped me
On April 13 of this year, my world was turned upside down. I received the news that no one wants to hear and what no 30 year old expects to hear, you have breast cancer. I had what I thought was just going to be a complex cyst removed in my left breast and it turned out to be cancer.

After getting second, third and fourth opinions I decided that The Cancer Institute of NJ was the best place for me. I choose CINJ not only because it is one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers but it offered me a chance to participate in a clinical trial giving me cutting edge treatment, and a chance to be treated by the most amazing, knowledgeable and compassionate medical team around.
Before having my second surgery, a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy which both came back with clear pathology reports, I met with the LIFE center where I received genetic counseling, my family history was looked at and I had genetic testing done. I then learned that I was BRAC 1 positive. The mutation of the BRCA 1 gene gives me an increased risk of having another breast cancer and ovarian cancer. At first, I was shocked, scared and upset because it was just one more layer to my nightmare but then I realized I was given the chance of hope. Knowing that I am at an increased risk for another breast cancer put me in the driver seat. This information is not only important for my future but my mother, her siblings, my son and the little girl that I dream of someday having. With the help of Dr. Toppmeyer and the genetic counselor I was given options and know that while under their care, I am going to get the best possible treatment and surveillance and everything is being done to reduce the factors that increase my risk of another breast cancer.

I wish a year ago or even 5 years ago, I knew what I know now. I wish I had the chance to walk into the LIFE center and know what my future could hold. I hope as you are listening to me talk you realize that breast cancer can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race or socioeconomic status and it is so important to get the message out there and to have the programs that the LIFE center has and make sure young girls are aware of their increased risk, know about screening options and know about good breast health.

As I continue on my journey, today I have officially reached the half way point of chemo, I just completed 8 of my 16 treatments, after chemo, which can not come soon enough, I will then go on for radiation and then someday I will look at other surgical options like a bilateral mastectomy and having my ovaries removed. I also promise to do whatever I can to end this horrible disease and raise awareness about it.