My name is Ann Reisig.
Religiously I go for my annual mammography's and sonograms. I had my annual on November 26th, 2021. I was on top of the world when I started a new hybrid job on December 13th, 2021.
Then I get a call from my doctor telling me that I have to go in for further imaging because they saw something suspicious.
With no history of breast cancer in my family, it was something I wouldn't think would happen to me. It was out of theordinary to feel the sharp pain. I shrugged it off at first until I felt something in my breast. I was confident it was an abscess because I'd had one before.
In 2006 just before I turned 65 years old, (in the few years before had operations: two basel cancers on face and one melanoma cancer on leg), I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast. "Invasive mammary carcinoma with lobular features, PET scan shows a hypermetabolic left axillary lymph node," from report.
My name is Catrina Crutcher. I'm 38 years of age from Dallas, TX, but born/raised in Alabama. I'm a Breast Cancer Thriver sharing my story as an advocate for women recently diagnosed, currently in their journey, or needing guidance after their journey.
I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer on June 15, 2021. I also hold the BRCA1 Positive Gene Mutation.
What did the African American program look like in its early days?
Dominique: This program was created with the knowledge that women of color are under-represented in the medical field. Because of LatinaSHARE and their successful model, the door was open for us to create a program that addressed the needs of Black women.
Tell us about your cancer experience
My cancer experience started with my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis when I was about 7 years old. This entire experience was devastating to my family. In the 1970s, the treatments for breast cancer were not as developed as the current options.
Tell us about your cancer experience
I have experienced all aspects of cancer as part of my career, volunteerism, advocacy for myself and others, and most importantly as a survivor. I have no regrets about my journey with cancer because it is my belief that it defines my purpose in life.
What was it like when you walked into that room at NYU, more than 40 years ago, with your diagnosis fresh in your mind, and SHARE in its earliest days?
I was very young at that time and didn’t know anyone my age who had gone through this. My mother died of breast cancer, and my father died of bladder cancer seven months before I was diagnosed.
Kathy Hynes-Kadish has been a dedicated volunteer at SHARE for 21 years, facilitating support groups and answering Helpline calls to be an anchor for those struggling with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. As she moves onto her newest endeavors, we want to thank her for her tireless dedication!
Why did you decide to become a SHARE Breast Cancer Facilitator?
It is an interesting story because I never actually thought I would facilitate another group! I was a clinical social worker who facilitated many groups in the hospital and in my private practice.
Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?
After I was diagnosed, I contacted Sharsheret, who was quite helpful at the time. I took their training to be a peer supporter, but as they concentrated on the younger women, they had no one for me to support.
