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The Importance of Self Advocacy
Brandy is a woman who embodies strength and self advocacy. Brandy also happens to be a mom of two and a woman battling breast cancer, just your typical superhero.
It all started when Brandy found a lump on her breast in the shower. This journey has taught her the importance of standing up for herself, despite the obstacles in her way. Brandy had to fight for her diagnosis, struggle to support her family financially, and find resources on her own. Her story emphasizes the importance of self breast exams and finding an understanding doctor to help navigate the way.
Despite finding a lump on her own, it was very difficult for Brandy to get a mammogram. Her insurance kept denying her due to her young age. This made it extremely difficult for her to find a doctor, allowing the cancer to grow even more. By this time, she had two tumors that had dramatically increased in size. While the first doctor she saw was skeptical of the lumps due to her age, she was able to see a second doctor for another opinion. The doctor diagnosed her with stage 2 breast cancer. This proves the importance of self advocacy. Following this diagnosis she quickly received many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. Brandy is now going in monthly to continue her treatment.
Brandy shared that one of her takeaways from having breast cancer is understanding that disease is not a death sentence. While she’s had to face obstacles, Brandy wishes there were more people who understood that cancer is not the end of the world. In fact, it may be a new beginning. Brandy doesn’t need people to be sorry for her because she is strong and getting treatment. That being said, breast cancer certainly makes things difficult. Through her experience with breast cancer, Brandy’s husband also received a health diagnosis of his own that made the financial side of things even more difficult.
Brandy decided to search for financial support online and found United Breast Cancer Foundation. UBCF supported Brandy through the individual grant and the child sponsorship programs. This support allowed her to keep her utilities on and support her two wonderful children. Brandy would most definitely recommend UBCF to those dealing with breast cancer.
UBCF is grateful for donors and the impact they have on those affected by a breast cancer diagnosis. For more information on how to donate or receive aid from UBCF, please visit UBCF.org.
