As a little girl, my grandmother had a weird bra. It had a heavy gel blob on one side. Eventually, I learned that Nanny Faye was a breast cancer (BC) survivor, but even then, I had no idea how my grandmother’s medical history would impact me.

Years later, my Aunt Jan was diagnosed with BC, just like her mom (my Nanny Faye). Aunt Jan became a survivor; however, shortly after reaching the five-year milestone, the cancer returned. Well into my adulthood, I now had the privilege of becoming my aunt’s caregiver: taking her to her doctor appointments, being with her through her scans, biopsies, and surgeries. Then, holding her hand through chemo, becoming her driver, cook, cleaning lady, assistant nurse, and most importantly, her encourager.

Aunt Jan’s journey taught me about my family’s unusually high association with the dreaded BC. I discovered that my Nanny Faye was diagnosed at the young age of 46, and becoming a survivor when she did was by the grace of God. I learned that two of my sister cousins, Beverly and Verna (my grandmother’s nieces), were each diagnosed with BC, not just once but twice. Another cousin and I are currently both being monitored for BC, both for the second time. Then, earlier this year, I learned that another cousin, Jennifer, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and now my Aunt Jan's best friend, Doreen, is also currently fighting.

Though they fought with everything they had, Beverly and Verna, as well as my beloved Aunt Jan, did not survive the second recurrence of breast cancer. Despite the strides made, treatment takes such a toll on the body. Happily, my cousin Jennifer’s treatments are going well so far, and so are Doreen's. May both women become the ultimate survivors in my family.

Breast cancer has woven itself into the fabric of my family’s story, sometimes with loss, sometimes with survival. Each diagnosis has carried with it fear, grief, resilience, and courage. What I know for certain is this: every woman in my family who has walked this journey has left behind a legacy of strength and faith. Their fight compels me to be vigilant, proactive, and grateful for every day of health I have. And as I look at Jennifer and her brave fight today, I carry hope that she will be the one to break this cycle, our ultimate survivor.

Unfortunately, my family’s story is not unique. Far too many families know the pain of watching loved ones fight breast cancer. What makes all of our stories powerful is that they remind me how urgent awareness, early detection, and continued research really are. I share this not just to honor Nanny Faye, Aunt Jan, Beverly, Verna, Jennifer, and Doreen, but also to encourage others: schedule your screenings, know your family history, and never stop praying for a cure.