On September 10 at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer mixer, I shared my story with a room full of survivors, caregivers, and advocates. My speech was centered on hope – hope for breakthroughs in research, hope for more tomorrows, and hope that no one faces this journey alone.
Living With Cognitive Dysfunction
In the middle of my remarks, I lost my place. The words were in my heart, but my mind lagged behind. This is what many call chemo brain or brain fog. Clinically, it is known as cognitive dysfunction, a side effect that affects up to 75 percent of patients during treatment and may persist in one-third of survivors long after treatment ends (National Cancer Institute).
For me, survivorship means living with surgical menopause, joint pain, fatigue, and anxiety that the cancer could return. It also means living with the knowledge that my children carry the same gene mutations that I do. Survivorship is not the finish line. It is a lifelong process.
Finding Ways Forward
The American Cancer Society notes that survivors can take steps to improve focus and memory, including exercise, mindfulness, journaling, and balanced nutrition (American Cancer Society). Support from loved ones and workplace flexibility can also make a world of difference.
As I shared at the mixer: “The fight does not end when treatment does. That is why I turn my pain into purpose.”
Why I Walk
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is more than a walk. It is a movement that funds lifesaving research, patient programs, and advocacy (American Cancer Society).
On October 26, 2025, I will walk with my family and my team. I walk because hope is stronger than fear. I walk because survivors deserve to thrive, not just survive. I walk because every step brings us closer to a world without breast cancer.
Join Me
If my story resonates with you, I invite you to take action.
Join my team, sponsor, or donate here: https://mobileacs.org/icViuc
Together, let us turn hope into reality.
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