I am my Sister’s Keeper

Written by Cofounder, Sheila Adams Gardner

One year ago this week, my sister, Patricia and I had breast surgeries within days of each other to reduce our elevated risk of developing triple negative breast cancer because of our inherited gene mutation, RAD 51 D. I had a breast lift in preparation for my double mastectomy and reconstruction. Pat had a DIEP flap mastectomy and reconstruction. Soon after our surgeries, we met on a FaceTime call. We laughed as we played post breast surgery “Show and Tell.” Our sister, Jacinta was there too, admonishing us about raising our arms too high and irritating our scars. Having had her double mastectomy and reconstruction 12 years earlier, Jacinta’s personal experience and emotional support were immeasurable. Our bond as sisters was strengthened by our shared identity as “Previvors”—(Survivors of a predisposition to cancer).

Earlier in the year, we each had oophorectomies to eliminate our risk of developing ovarian cancer. Buoyed by our commitment to strike cancer BEFORE it strikes us, we encouraged and annoyed each other until we each completed our prophylactic treatments by the end of 2023. We continue to share cancer screening and prevention practices and encourage each other. Traveling this previvor life journey with my oldest best friends—my sisters, has made the road so much easier. We created Families Fighting Hereditary Cancer in hopes that our story would encourage other families to unite, and fight cancer together. You and your family members can protect yourselves and change your family’s history of cancer to one of triumph though preventive healthcare.

KNOW YOUR RISK - MANAGE YOUR RISK - BEAT HEREDITARY CANCER