Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation

Agnieszka Pomarańska’s Journey: Finding Joy and Resilience Through a Breast Cancer Diagnosis CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Agnieszka Pomarańska’s Journey: Finding Joy and Strength Through a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Agnieszka Pomarańska’s story is one of resilience and self-advocacy. Originally from Pasłęk, Poland, Agnieszka was 40 years old when she received a diagnosis of Stage II breast cancer, specifically ER+ PR+ HER2+—a subtype driven by hormone receptors and the HER2 protein. Now 43, Agnieszka speaks openly about her journey and shares her proactive approach, emphasizing […]

Beyond the Diagnosis: Tanesha Patterson’s Breast Cancer Journey with DCIS CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Beyond the Diagnosis: Tanesha Patterson’s Breast Cancer Journey with DCIS

At 42 years old, Tanesha Patterson was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer often categorized as Stage 0 and marked by the presence of cancerous cells within the milk ducts that haven’t spread to other tissues. Her DCIS was estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), meaning her […]

Abigail DeGuzman-Miller: Trusting Your Instincts in the Fight Against Breast Cancer CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Abigail DeGuzman-Miller: Trusting Your Instincts in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Abigail DeGuzman-Miller, now 50, is a dedicated mother of four and a breast cancer survivor whose journey highlights the significance of self-advocacy and vigilance in healthcare. Diagnosed with Stage IIIa Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) in 2018, Abigail’s story began with a routine mammogram that uncovered an area of concern in her right breast. Her experience […]

Melissa Rider's Journey: Advocating for Genetic Testing and Early Cancer Detection CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Melissa Rider’s Journey: Advocating for Genetic Testing and Early Cancer Detection

Melissa’s cancer journey is a powerful testament to resilience, family history, and the critical role that genetic testing plays in early detection and self-advocacy. Diagnosed at the age of 39 with Stage 1 breast cancer, only five months after a Stage 2A sigmoid colon cancer diagnosis, Melissa’s story highlights the complexities of navigating multiple cancer […]

Byrd Cancer Foundation CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months

Raquel Fountain: The Power of Self-Advocacy in Early Breast Cancer Detection

Raquel Fountain’s breast cancer journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy when it comes to our health. Her story began when she discovered a lump in her breast. Despite initial reassurance from her doctors that it was likely nothing to worry about, Raquel trusted her instincts and pushed for further testing. This […]

Breast Cancer and the Bigger Picture with Dr. Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months Understanding Cancer

Breast Cancer and the Bigger Picture with Dr. Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz

Dr. Jasmine Miller-Kleinhenz, a faculty member at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health Science and Cell and Molecular Biology, emphasizes that breast cancer isn’t just about genetics. In her insightful discussion, she sheds light on the broader factors affecting breast cancer risk, especially for women of […]

Yahaira Morales-Diaz: A Survivor’s Journey through Triple Negative Breast Cancer CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months Understanding Cancer

Yahaira Morales-Diaz: A Survivor’s Journey through Triple Negative Breast Cancer

In November 2019, just days before Thanksgiving, Yahaira Morales-Diaz’s world changed. At 34 years old, with no family history of cancer and leading an active, healthy lifestyle, Yahaira was shocked to find a lump in her right breast while lying down. That moment marked the beginning of a life-altering journey. Her diagnosis? Triple Negative Breast […]

National Hispanic American Heritage Month 2024: Celebrating Cultural Contributions and Addressing Health Disparities CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months Understanding Cancer

National Hispanic American Heritage Month 2024: Celebrating Cultural Contributions and Addressing Health Disparities

From September 15 to October 15, the United States observes National Hispanic American Heritage Month to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The observance begins on September 15 to mark the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico […]

breast cancer awareness CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months Genetics and Cancer Understanding Cancer

Michelle Watson’s Journey with Breast Cancer: The Importance of Family History and BRCA1 Awareness

Breast cancer can be a family matter, and no one understands this better than Michelle Watson, an African American breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed with Stage II Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) at the age of 36, Michelle’s journey began long before her diagnosis—through the lens of her family’s history with the disease. Her story underscores […]

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day CategoriesCancer Cancer Awareness Months Understanding Cancer

Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC), also known as Stage IV breast cancer, is the most advanced form of breast cancer. It occurs when cancer cells from the breast spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. Despite being the least understood and most underrepresented stage in public discourse, MBC […]