Note: Written by Janelle Hail, founder and CEO of National Breast Cancer Foundation. Janelle reflects on the wisdom and insight provided through 42 years as a breast cancer survivor. Through everything, she leans on her family and community, her faith, and her hope and perseverance to “shine a bright light” on the darkness cancer causes. At 6:00 a.m., I drowsily opened my eyes in the dimly lit hospital room to see my husband, Neal, my mother, and my mother-in-law standing around my bed with worried expressions. Neal tenderly held my hand and with the kindest eyes I had ever seen said, “Honey ..read more

Note: Written by streamer and NBCF Game Pink fundraiser, DaYoshi. DaYoshi shares how breast cancer made a heavy impact on his life and how he utilizes his skills and streaming community to give back so other parents have the care and support they need.  My mom was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in August 2003. After 4 rounds of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation, my mom beat breast cancer. I was 8 years old at the time, and I didn’t quite understand what my mom was going through nor could I help. Now that I’m older and in a position to help, I want to help those who have a pa ..read more

Over 2 decades ago, Tracy felt a pea-sized lump in her breast. She was a new mom, living in a new city far from family and friends. A mammogram didn’t show anything, but a follow-up ultrasound revealed invasive ductal carcinoma. Tracy’s treatment decisions revolved around her son, Trent. She determined that she couldn’t do radiation and be a full-time mom, so she opted for a mastectomy. Her mom, also a breast cancer survivor, traveled to support them and encouraged Tracy to leave the house when she could. Three years later, Tracy began to experience back pain while pregnant with her daughter ..read more

If we’re being honest, we can admit that a mammogram isn’t the most fun activity to check off your to-do list. But that doesn’t make getting your annual mammogram any less important or necessary. There are several ways to make mammograms easier and more comfortable. Knowing how to advocate for your best mammogram experience can empower you to take charge of your own health. At your mammogram appointment, a mammographer will be present in the room with you. This person is there to perform the imaging and to help make the process as comfortable, efficient, and successful as possible for you. You ..read more

While raising two kids in a new city was already challenging, Michelle was crushed when she received a Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis that was shortly reclassified as Stage 3 based on spread to the lymph nodes. No one in her family had ever faced cancer, and she was years and decades younger than many of the women she saw during chemo and doctor’s appointments. When her partner left and her brother took his life, she, too, was ready to give up. After receiving “the gift of desperation,” Michelle shares how she found the will to live, the strength to parent, and a newfound dedication to caring ..read more

Note: Written by Susan Herndon, RN, BSN, Nurse Writer After a breast cancer diagnosis, there are often several questions a patient may have. Who will treat my breast cancer? What specialist should I see? Will I need chemotherapy or radiation? Will I have to have surgery or take medication? The list below will help explain the answers to some of the most common questions related to your cancer treatment team of doctors, nurses, and specialists. Not all patients will need the services of every specialist listed. Medical Oncologist A doctor who specializes in the field of cancer. This doctor will ..read more

Note: Written by NBCF Chief Program Officer, Douglas Feil. If you missed our first post, read “Disparities in Breast Cancer Threaten Progress for All.” Like the disease, disparities in breast cancer are bigger than any one organization. The problem is complex, and the solution requires all of us. One reason cancer is so destructive is that it hijacks the very structure of the body—the cell. Similar to health disparities, cancer thrives off vulnerabilities and environments where it can grow unchecked. And that’s just it—health disparities also exist in a world unchecked. Health equity is possib ..read more

An interview with Becca May, National Breast Cancer Foundation Advisory Council member & SVP of Marketing at Nature Nate’s Honey Co. Retail presence makes a huge difference for big and small brands alike. We consistently hear from corporate partners who want advice and tips about how to navigate retailer relationships, especially with cause-marketing campaigns. To that end, we are fortunate to partner with some experts in this area at top brands in the country. The National Breast Cancer Foundation team connected with Becca May, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Nature Nate’s Honey Co ..read more

Mike Friedman lost his daughter, Jennifer, to breast cancer in July 2021. Although Jennifer was diagnosed at a young age, she experienced 12 joyful, cancer-free years—including the birth of her miracle daughter—thanks to early detection. Through his grieving, Mike felt called to share her story and let her “name be a blessing” to others. On behalf of the entire NBCF family, we thank Mike for his courage and heart in sharing Jenn’s story to reach more women. I called her “baby Jenn” from the first day. Jennifer was adopted and she joined our family at a very young age. She was my second child ..read more

One of our amazing Community Ambassadors, Barbara, shares her personal breast cancer story, including her experience with chemo, receiving support, and finding the positive in everything—including herself. In 2019, I went for my routine mammogram and got the dreaded call from the facility that I would need to come in for additional imaging and a biopsy. The next thing I knew, I was in the surgeon’s office, learning that I needed to have a lumpectomy. The surgery went smoothly—when I visited the oncologist a couple of weeks later, she said, “I have good news and I have bad news.” The good news ..read more