My Previvor Journey: Why I’ll Never Stay Silent Again

On July 14, 2015, I took my first step as a previvor—a decision that would change my life forever. At 32 years old, with two healthy children, I underwent a full hysterectomy to reduce my ovarian cancer risk, which was estimated at 67%. There was no early detection test for ovarian cancer, and this was […]

Reflecting on the Birth of BRCAStrong

In 2015, two weeks after undergoing a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, I founded BRCAStrong. My daughter, Gabriela, who was just seven years old at the time, lovingly compared me to a butterfly, symbolizing the different phases of life I was navigating. Her comparison resonated deeply, and it became the inspiration for our organization’s mission of transformation and resilience.

Cancer is in my genes – literally and figuratively

Cancer is in my genes – literally and figuratively. When I was in college both my paternal aunt and my paternal grandmother passed away – 3 years apart, both in February, they both had breast cancer, as well as other health complications.