My name is Lori Hernandez. I was diagnosed with stage 3A breast cancer at the age 30. There was a man who found me beautiful when I was depressed due to my physical image. I had a wedding ceremony on May 28th, 2016. As a working, young mother to two young boys, I lacked the finances to be the stunning bride that I wanted to be. I had pale skin and very thinning hair as a result of undergoing rigorous chemotherapy for months! 5 under 40 came to the rescue with less than 2 weeks notice. This foundation has made it their business to ensure that their women don’t want for anything due to their diagnosis or their struggles. I had a home delivery service of cosmetic make up and my stunning hairstyle all thanks to 5 Under 40 Foundation. The founder attended our Puerto Rican wedding in Brooklyn and we even share the same wedding anniversary! I assumed that I would never be a beautiful birdie due to my pale skin and very fine hair. 5 under 40 provided the absolute best of the best, celebrity hairstylist and an amazing make up artist. I had a natural look, an elegant hairstyle. I felt, whole again. I use the word “whole” because as a young women diagnosed with breast cancer, you lose your femininity and your beauty. My wedding day was the very first time I felt whole. It was as though I never went through this horrible disease. Breast cancer does not discriminate.

Not only does 5 under 40 come to our rescue, they teach us how to remain healthy for years post treatment. We do this by learning how to eat healthy and exercise. They’ve taught us how to use make-up and hairstyles as tools enabling us to lead healthier lives. We get a grip on our beauty and whom we are as young women, inflicted by this terrible disease. They organize events with leading guest experts in cancer care. They teach us how to love ourselves and share our experiences with other young women experiencing the same struggles. They constantly remind us to remain beautiful, young women inside and out. They provide continuous education through their events teaching us how to regain our beauty. 5 under 40 accepts each and every women for who she is. I refer to this as their blessings upon our lives filling our needs of becoming the women we once use to be before our diagnoses! 5 under 40 doesn’t just stop at their events. They continue to help us in our daily lives, with follow up calls and any other assistance we need to heal and feel better in our lives. 5 under 40 is like family to me. I thank G-d for them and I thank G-d for them never giving up on me when I gave up on myself! Love you 5 under 40…