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 the only preventive tool I had at the time. I chose surgery not because it was easy, but because it felt like survival.

But no one prepared me for what came next.

From regular cycles to full blown surgical menopause overnight, I found myself battling intense night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, brain fog, zero patience, and libido that disappeared entirely. I was not told about the effects on my heart health or bones. I was not educated on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For ten years, I struggled in silence physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Today, I’m being real with you: I now have osteoporosis in several bones. My brain fog was crippling. My quality of life suffered. I wasn’t okay.

Thirty days ago, that changed. I began estrogen patches (0.05mg), progesterone (100mg), testosterone gel, and Addyi. And let me tell you I feel like me again. My mind is sharper, my body is less achy, and for the first time in years, I’m sleeping more than 6 hours. My bone pain has lessened. My spark is slowly returning.

This isn’t just my story, it’s a call to action. If you’re a previvor, there are NCCN guidelines around HRT. Don’t suffer in silence. Don’t accept the narrative that you should just be grateful to be “healthy.” You deserve to feel whole, too.

Evidence matters. So does lived experience. I’m sharing mine to empower you with both.

And today, on this very same date July 14, 2025, I’m not only reflecting on my personal journey, but celebrating something so much bigger than me. BRCAStrong is turning 10 years old.

A Decade of Strength.
Never did I dream we would be here ten years later.

What began as a deeply personal mission has grown into a movement of empowerment, support, and sisterhood for previvors, survivors, and thrivers regardless of predisposition. Through the tears, the trials, the triumphs, and the truths, we’ve built something powerful. We’ve sent out thousands of care packages, held space for countless stories, and fought for visibility, access, and education in ways I only imagined back then.

So today, I honor my younger self the one who chose survival without all the answers. And I celebrate the community that helped me find my voice, and make sure others don’t have to walk alone.

Here’s to ten years of turning pain into purpose.
Here’s to the next decade of strength.