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

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Jeanmarie Mason stands before the Ocean City bridge which is lit up at night in the MBC Awareness colors.
“Above ground, it’s a good day”: Jeanmarie keeps perspective on MBC life

09/11/25 | BY: Adriana Lecuona, Jeanmarie Mason

Jeanmarie Mason doesn't see metastatic breast cancer as a death sentence, but as a chronic illness she can live with — and live fully. From pushing for proclamations and lighting bridges to finding laughter in support groups and strength in asking for help, Jeanmarie shows how advocacy and humor keep her grounded. Every morning, she reminds herself, "Above ground, it's a good day." 

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Parenting 5 different kids through breast cancer: No one size fits all

09/19/25 | BY: Adriana Lecuona, Angelica Rinker

How do you tell five kids, from preschoolers to teens, that you have breast cancer?

When Angel Rinker was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, she had to find different ways to explain it to her five kids, all very unique individuals. In this blog, she shares show she met each child where they were, the books that helped, and the lessons she learned about parenting through cancer.

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 | 10 Min. Read

“Above ground, it’s a good day”: Jeanmarie keeps perspective on MBC life

09/11/25 | BY: Adriana Lecuona, Jeanmarie Mason

Jeanmarie Mason doesn't see metastatic breast cancer as a death sentence, but as a chronic illness she can live with — and live fully. From pushing for proclamations and lighting bridges to finding laughter in support groups and strength in asking for help, Jeanmarie shows how advocacy and humor keep her grounded. Every morning, she reminds herself, "Above ground, it's a good day." 

Read More
 | 7 Min. Read |

From caregiver to breast cancer advocate: Charlotte Safrit finds herself

09/05/25 | BY: Adriana Lecuona, Charlotte Safrit

From years of caring for her mother to facing her own triple-positive breast cancer, Charlotte Safrit discovered the power of self-care, as well as her voice as an advocate for others. She says, “I had to let go of how and when it got done. What mattered was that I was finally taking care of me.”

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 | 6 Min. Read |

Balancing act: Juggling chemo, work, and family during breast cancer

08/11/25 | BY: Virginia de Oliveira Marques

When Virginia was diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, she was balancing work, motherhood, and uncertainty. Virginia shares how she coped with treatment, chose when to work, and found strength in listening to her body.

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 | 7 Min. Read |

Holding on to herself — and her hair — during breast cancer treatment

08/04/25 | BY: Adriana Lecuona

When Marisa Berman was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, she refused to let cancer define her. Through scalp cooling, she held on to more than just her hair — she held on to her sense of self. Discover how this mother of four, marketing executive, and runner tackled treatment with grit, preserved her identity, and now shares her story to help others.

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 | 5 Min. Read |

Life after breast cancer treatment: The hardest chapter

07/28/25 | BY: Kara Taylor

At 29, Kara Taylor was a new mom enjoying life when she discovered a lump during a self-exam. She then underwent a whirlwind of decisions, treatment, and surgeries — all during a global pandemic. In her blog, Kara shares what it was like to navigate breast cancer as a young mother, the challenges of life after treatment, and the strength she draws from her daughter.

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 | 6 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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