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Real people sharing real-life experiences about real issues to educate, motivate, and inspire you. 

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Klara Hartfiel kisses her baby daughter as she rests on the couch during her breast cancer treatment.
ATM gene mutation and breast cancer: A mother and daughter’s story

06/09/25 | BY: Klara Hartfiel

A young mother's breast cancer diagnosis led to uncovering a hereditary ATM gene mutation, and  her daughter, now an adult, is navigating her own increased risk. A story of genetic testing and informed choices across generations.

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Ashley Dedmon: From caregiver to health equity champion

06/11/25 | BY: Adriana Lecuona

When Ashley Dedmon’s mother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, Ashley became her caregiver at just 18 years old, a decision that shaped her life and her purpose. Now a “40 Under 40” health leader and vice president at LBBC, Ashley is using her personal experience and public health training to break down barriers in cancer care.

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 | 5 Min. Read

ATM gene mutation and breast cancer: A mother and daughter's story

06/09/25 | BY: Klara Hartfiel

A young mother's breast cancer diagnosis led to uncovering a hereditary ATM gene mutation, and  her daughter, now an adult, is navigating her own increased risk. A story of genetic testing and informed choices across generations.

Read More
 | 5 Min. Read |

Finding purpose with MBC by saying yes to clinical trials

05/27/25 | BY: Christina Jue

After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, Christina Jue had to leave her tech career behind and find new purpose. Her answer? She chose to say yes to clinical trials. By taking part in research, Christina has found new meaning and a sense of hope.

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 | 5 Min. Read |

Breast cancer, body image, and being heard: My triple-negative journey

05/12/25 | BY: La-Trenda Ross

After being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 59, La-Trenda Ross made a commitment to listen to her body, hold on to hope, and choose herself. In this blog, she shares how her faith, family, and purpose keep her moving forward while she builds a foundation to support others facing breast cancer.

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 | 7 Min. Read |

Parenting through a breast cancer diagnosis: Telling my children

05/05/25 | BY: Lilly Ribner

Learn how Lilly Ribner navigated telling her children about her breast cancer diagnosis using books, play, and empathy to make space for their emotions. In turn, she healed by rewriting the silence she experienced when, during her childhood, her mom was seriously ill.

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 | 5 Min. Read |

My journey through early-stage breast cancer clinical trials

04/28/25 | BY: Jenni Hetzel-Gaynor

Thinking about an early-stage breast cancer clinical trial? Jenni’s story offers honest insight, practical tips, and the unexpected benefits of saying yes.

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 | 9 Min. Read
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Your story matters

We invite you to share your personal journey of embracing authenticity. Whether it’s how you approached treatment decisions, stayed true to yourself, or found a unique way to support your mental health, your voice can inspire and support our community.

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Popular stories

Kimberley Robinson smiling with her son at a restaurant

Kimberley’s story

Determined not to repeat the silence of her past, Kimberley Robinson draws on a heartfelt experience with her late mother to emphasize the power of open communication and transform a breast cancer diagnosis into a source of family unity and strength.

Kimberley’s story
A masked Mike Hooves sits in a chemo chair, bright and defiant in pink

Mike's story

Mike Hooves offers a poignant reflection on navigating cancer with authenticity and advocacy as a non-binary individual, from seeking support in queer communities to challenging stereotypes in healthcare settings. They reveal the intersection of gender identity and cancer, with insights and personal reflections on the importance of inclusive healthcare practices in breast cancer treatment.

Mike's story
Jenni Hetzel-Gaynor smiling with her three children

Jenni’s story

Jenni Hetzel-Gaynor braces for the worst as she faces a breast cancer diagnosis, and with it, the fear of isolation. Would her family, strained by physical and emotional distance, be there for her? Join Jenni as she navigates chemo rounds, decision-making, reconstructive surgery, and a memorable Taylor Swift concert.

Jenni's story
Amy Almas, a young mom, poses with her energetic children, a boy and a girl, on a soccer field

Amy's story

Amy chronicles her journey with metastatic breast cancer, focusing on the emotional rollercoaster of sharing the news with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. From navigating support systems to dealing with unwanted attention, Amy shares a relatable perspective for anyone grappling with the challenge of sharing difficult news.

Amy's story
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About this blog

READ OUR BLOG FOR INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING STORIES.

Sometimes it helps to read the stories of others to remind yourself that you are not alone. Whether you're newly diagnosed, years beyond treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer, you'll find stories you can relate to here.

Have a question? Get in touch here with us.

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DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions of our bloggers represent the views and opinions of the bloggers alone and not those of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Also understand that Living Beyond Breast Cancer does not medically review any information or content contained on, or distributed through, its blog and therefore does not endorse the accuracy or reliability of any such information or content. Through our blog, we merely seek to give individuals creative freedom to tell their stories. It is not a substitute for professional counseling or medical advice.

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