After finding a lump in my left breast in December 2020 (at age 26) and some pushing from my then-boyfriend (now-husband) and my mom, I scheduled myself for an appointment at my home clinic a few weeks later.

After a follow-up appointment in February and two ultrasounds, one mammogram, and one biopsy in early March, I was diagnosed with HER2+ Stage 2B Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on March 11th, 2021.

I have no family history of breast cancer on either side of my family, and only one case of cancer at all – lung – in my elderly grandmother who was a lifelong smoker, so finding out I’ve been diagnosed with such an illness without any rhyme or reason was beyond my own understanding.

I did genetic testing and it came back negative (good thing, it means that indeed there’s no familial/genetic tie to the cancer at all). But knowing that it isn’t genetic left me with more questions.

Why me? Why now? Why did I deserve this?

But I didn’t deserve it, and neither does anyone else who gets diagnosed. And I know there was nothing I could have done differently to prevent breast cancer from happening.

I don’t know why it happened, but I was extremely fortunate to have found it early (Stage 2 is still considered an early stage). I began treatment in late March of 2021 and finished in April of 2022. I was declared no evidence of disease (NED) as of September 2021 when I finished chemo and surgery.

I was diagnosed five years ago. And in the breast cancer community, 5-year survivorship without recurrence is usually an indicator (from medical professionals) that my chance of recurrence lessens over time. I’ll never fully be out of the woods, but I am excited that this year (in November, technically) will be the first major step toward full survivorship for me. 

I’ve been less publicly vocal about my breast cancer journey as the years have gone on, but privately, I’ve done research on programs offered to survivors as part of their healing journeys. This led me to apply to several cancer survivor retreats, and by the grace of God, I was selected for not one, but three different retreats this year. 

In August, I will be attending a retreat with True North Treks in the UP in Michigan. This retreat is for survivors of all cancer types who were diagnosed between the ages of 18–39 along with one person of our choosing who has supported us through our cancer journey. 

True North Treks is a fully-funded experience for survivors that runs on a pay-it-forward pledge that all participants partake in. Our goal is to raise $1200 per attendee to help future survivors and their caregivers attend an experience like I’ll be doing in August. This upcoming trip was funded by past participants fundraising for future participants, and now it’s my turn to raise funds for future participants so that other young survivors may have an opportunity to attend next year. 

This 5-day trek will consist of hiking, meditation, yoga, swimming, camping, and most importantly, connection and conversation with other young survivors. It’s an opportunity that, looking back five years ago when I was in the trenches of pre-chemo IVF, chemo, surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy, I’d never have believed would be a possibility to experience. 

For moments during diagnosis and treatment, I genuinely wasn’t sure if I’d live or die. But I’ve had the blessing of surviving, the grace of living, and now, the opportunity to pay this once-in-a-lifetime experience forward for future survivors. I’ll drop the donation link below for anyone who’s interested in helping me raise funds for future attendees. I can’t wait to share the experience with you all once I’ve attended my retreat this August.