It started with a whisper of concern—a quiet but persistent thought that grew louder over the years. I come from a family with a history of cancer on my dad’s side of the family. I watched strong women and men I love face unimaginable battles with both breast and prostate cancer. My dad, paternal uncle, paternal aunt, and paternal first cousin. And while they walked their journeys with grace, I knew deep down that I might one day face my own journey with cancer.

On August 2nd, 2024 I made the decision to have my genetic testing done. A simple blood draw that would carry the weight of generations before me and those yet to come. I did it not out of fear, but out of love—for my family, for my future, for myself. When the results came back- I was BRCA2 positive, I wasn’t surprised. But, I was shaken to my core.  

BRCA2 is a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Being BRCA2 positive increased my lifetime risk to 87% for either of these cancers. Knowing this, I was faced with choices that no one ever wants to make—preventative surgeries that would alter my body or frequent screenings to catch cancer in early stages. After prayer, long talks with my husband, and consultations with an incredible medical team of doctors, I made the decision: I would be having a full hysterectomy and a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction. My first surgery, the full hysterectomy was January 23rd, 2025 and my second, prophylactic double mastectomy was April 7th, 2025.

These decisions were not easy. Yet, they came with an incredible amount of peace. That peace came from my faith. It was my faith in God that gave me the courage to choose the harder path. I believe we are called to be good stewards of the life we’re given. And in my case, that stewardship means making difficult, proactive decisions to protect my health and ensure a long and full life with my family.

I was surrounded by a phenomenal team of doctors—each one compassionate, brilliant, and deeply committed to my well-being. They listened, guided, and walked alongside me with incredible empathy. I am endlessly grateful for each of them. Dr. McCunniff, primary care physician, Rebecca Urbanovsky, genetic counselor, Dr. Divine, gynecologic oncologist, Dr. DiPasquale, breast surgeon and Dr. Beale, reconstruction surgeon.

More than anything, I felt the presence of God walking this road with me. In the quiet moments before appointments, in the tears shed behind closed doors, in the strength to keep moving-He was there. The kind of courage it took to do something hard, something life-altering, I sit in amazement that I am on the other side. While my journey will never be over I can be a voice for those who have yet walked this road. The biggest blessing that has come from this journey is that my older brother was encouraged to be tested. On April 4th, 2025, days before my mastectomy, he found out that he was BRCA2 positive as well. He thanked me for taking this leap for our family, extended family and generations yet to come. 

If you’re reading this and facing your own hard choice—about your health, your future, or your family—know this: you are not alone. There is strength in community and prayer. There is a path through the storm. And sometimes, the greatest act of faith is choosing to walk it. If you are a man or woman that has a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate and other cancers, I encourage you to speak to your doctor about genetic testing. It may just save your life!