My name is Nicole Delli-Santi Carey and I am 39 years old. I found a lump in my left breast on May 12, 2016. I was on the couch while on the phone with my mom. I’d usually be at work during that time but was recently laid off. I immediately made an appointment with Care Station for the next day so I could get a prescription for a mammogram. Everyone who knows me knows I never go to the…

By Tara Aitken, diagnosed at age 32   It was a beautiful start to the month of May. We were celebrating my youngest son’s second birthday. The carnival theme was set and the cake looked just as I hoped it would. All of our friends and family were there, making this special day even more perfect. Little did I know that just two weeks later our whole world would change. On May 21, 2015, I heard the words “Tara, you have breast cancer” while sitting in…

By Elina Golbin, diagnosed at age 28   When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28, I spent the first few months reading other cancer survivors’ stories. I was searching for some hope and meaning in the diagnosis that had turned my life upside down. Some of the women I read about described their cancer as a “gift” — a gift they would never give back. I remember wondering if I would ever feel that way about…

By Emily Affonso, diagnosed at age 33   I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2012 at the age of 33. The six months that followed were a whirlwind: I underwent a double mastectomy, endured eight rounds of chemotherapy, began a year-long course of Herceptin and had reconstructive surgery. Through it all I tried to remain positive and remind myself that there was going to be life after cancer. I figured 2012 would be the most challenging year of my life and…

By Mary Chaisson, diagnosed at age 33   I remember March of 2015. With summer just around the corner, I was planning our family vacation, getting ready to start my diet and looking forward to the warm weather. On April 1st, all of that changed. I was sitting at my desk when I got the call from my doctor. As soon as I heard those four words, “You have breast cancer” I started to cry. All I could think about were my 8-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. After the initial…