Racing To Make A Difference

My name is Michele, and at 37 years old I decided to undergo Bi-lateral Prophylactic Mastectomies due to a family history of breast cancer and my own Fibrocystic Breast Disease. At the time of surgery I had over 17 breast lumps and clusters of cysts, making detection of breast cancer extremely difficult. My future at that time consisted of MRIs every 6 months for the rest of my life as the cysts made it almost impossible to find breast cancer by self exam or by mammogram or ultrasound.

To me, waiting every 6 months to find out if I had cancer sounded like an awful fate. So I decided to have the mastectomies. I could never have imagined how painful or frightening it would be, and I had several complications afterwards. I decided to make this site and blog to help other women make the decision. My chances of breast cancer went from 40% to 2%, so to me it has all been worth it.

I have also discovered that there are a lot of women who need financial help with diagnostic testing that falls through the cracks of other breast cancer foundations. So I decided to try to make a difference and raise money to help.

There are also women out there, terrified of their future with or without surgery, withdrawing from life and giving up on dreams. I am trying to start an off road race team called Team Courage to not only help raise awareness for our cause but to also try to encourage women that no matter your age, no matter your diagnosis, live your life to the fullest, tackle your dreams with all of your heart, and keep the adventure in your life!

I have been amazed at the response we are getting, women from all over the world have contacted me that are going through the same decisions I faced. Please contact me any time! And remember, although you may not have breast cancer concerns, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with cancer, so please pass on our site and information to everyone you know! Someone you know may need us.

Take care,
Michele