Cancer is the worst club
with the best members
Giving Back
5% of every Estranghero Ceramics purchase supports The Breasties, the first all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, thrivers, and carevivors. Their mission supports and improves the experiences of the breast and gynecologic cancer community through peer-to-peer connection, resources, and advocacy.
My (very abbreviated!) Breast Cancer Story
With no genetic predisposition, my older sister Kat and I were both diagnosed with ER/PR+ HER2- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma only five months apart at ages 39 and 33, respectively. We are a part of the Adolescent Young Adult (AYA) community, or those who are diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15-39. In 2023, an estimated 86,000 of new cancer cases in the United States will be diagnosed among AYA, with 15% accounting for breast cancer (NIH).
Due to my staging (the process of determining tumor size and if it has spread), I had a single mastectomy, 2 rounds of TC (Taxotere and Cytoxan) chemotherapy, 2 rounds of AC chemotherapy (the “A” here being Adriamycin aka “the red devil”), and 35 rounds of proton radiation.
Recently, while preparing for my preventative contralateral mastectomy + bilateral DIEP flap reconstruction, a tumor was found in my right breast. 18 months after my initial diagnosis, I was diagnosed a second time with ER/PR+ HER2- IDC. I am still working with my oncology team to understand how this new discovery changes my treatment plan.
My sister Kat (right) and I dressed up for 2023 Camp Breastie’s “Breastival”
Helpful Resources
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Helpful Resources 〰️
Other Breasties who have generously shared their stories have helped (and are still helping!) me to process my own diagnoses and ongoing treatments. In sharing my own experiences and resources, I hope to pay it forward (literally and figuratively) to this community and support others as they seek connection and tools to navigate the absolute trash experience that is cancer.
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My Breasties
For breast cancer curious fam, this is a * fun * podcast about two sisters’ cancer diagnoses. Hosted by Kat, Babs, and Aimee, they share openly about their experiences and rely on humor to get them through.
Bonus: Groove to all the themed tracks from the podcast here!
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The Breasties
The Breasties is the first all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, thrivers, and carevivors. Their mission supports and improves the experiences of the breast and gynecologic cancer community through peer-to-peer connection, resources, and advocacy.
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METAvivor
METAvivor is dedicated to the specific fight or those living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and is the sole US organization dedicated to awarding annual stage 4 breast cancer research.
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Life with Cancer
Inova Life with Cancer is Northern Virginia’s leading non-profit organization providing education and psychosocial support to all individuals impacted by cancer through evidence-based holistic care at no cost, no matter where treatment is received.
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Queering Cancer
Queering Cancer aims to transform cancer care for the LGBTQ2+ community by improving research, resources, and support for patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
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Breast Cancer Research Foundation
BCRF’s mission is to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research.
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Cancer + Careers
Cancer and Careers empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events.
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Tigerlily Foundation
Tigerlily Foundation seeks to educate and empower women of all backgrounds, including those at heightened risk, those facing health disparities, and those with less access to care.