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.
1. Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline volunteer?
I know first-hand how empathy combined with care and knowledge can ease some of the challenges breast cancer brings. A SHARE support group connected me with women who could candidly speak about their experiences and relate in ways no internet research or doctors' appointments could.
Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline Volunteer?
Back in March of 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In my research and efforts to find information on my type of breast cancer, and eager to speak with women who had already gone through this experience, I came across SHARE. I was greatly relieved to find valuable information and excellent resources on SHARE’s website.
Why did you decide to be a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline Volunteer?
I decided to become a SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline Volunteer to reciprocate the warmth and support I received from the breast cancer community. Along with my physicians and nurses at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center there have been so many survivors and thrivers that have helped me along my breast cancer journey.
