Lindsay Bababekov’s Story

How did you react to your diagnosis?

Lindsay Babekov remembers sitting in the Whole Foods parking lot while her daughter was at dance.

She already knew.

“I had that feeling deep in my body that the result was going to be cancer,” Lindsay says.

When the news came, she could not control the tears. She called her three sisters immediately and just cried.

 

Who helped carry you through?

Lindsay’s mom was her rock.

So were her sisters, her dad, her aunt who also had breast cancer, and her best friend Raquel, who came to every chemo.

She was also supported by friends and extended family who reached out or sent a quick text to check in.

Those small moments mattered.

 

What surprised you?

The cold cap was a surprising relief for Lindsay.

It helped her keep her hair, and it also helped with hot flashes.

 

What advice would you give someone going through this?

Lindsay’s advice is to feel your feelings.

“It is so easy to try to set those aside and focus on fighting the cancer,” she says.

But now, Lindsay finds herself even more emotional because she is finally giving herself time to process what happened to her.

She wants others to know that the feelings may come during treatment, after treatment, or both. They deserve space either way.

 

What kind of support meant the most?

Lindsay received letters from close friends and family telling her they were with her and always thinking of her.

That helped.

She also wants people to know they do not need perfect words.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out,” Lindsay says. “So many people have shared that they were afraid they didn’t know what to say.”

Cancer can feel incredibly isolating. A simple message can make someone feel less alone.

“Even saying you don’t know what to say, but you are there for them, means the world.”