Breast Cancer in my 40’s
Sadiqa’s Story
Breast cancer was something Sadiqa thought she understood—first as a child watching her aunt go through it, and later as a physician caring for others. But at 34, just beginning her career and newly married, it became her own reality.
Read MoreXiaoqi’s Story
Xiaoqi Han was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 30, 2024—after a routine mammogram that had been postponed for a couple of years. What followed was a moment that instantly shifted everything. “I was more than shocked… my sky was falling.”
Read MoreInez’s Story
Inez Montalvo was diagnosed with breast cancer on January 17, 2025—a moment that brought fear, uncertainty, and a wave of changes she never anticipated. From the physical toll of treatment to the emotional weight of the diagnosis, her journey has required both resilience and grace. “I was honestly terrified.”
Read MoreAsha’s Story
Asha Miller describes herself as a “breast cancer veteran”—a title that reflects not just what she has endured, but how she has chosen to show up in the world because of it. Long before her diagnosis, Asha was already using her voice—advocating in DEI spaces and sharing stories through her writing and photography. But breast cancer reshaped that advocacy into something even more personal.
Read MoreAlison’s Story
In May 2023, Alison Feller was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. Her daughter Annie was just four years old at the time, and the news sent Alison into a spiral of shock and fear. “I remember sobbing in the middle of the night after my diagnosis, terrified that I might die and leave my daughter without her mom.”
Read MoreMaria’s Story
On November 7, 2025, Maria Puppolo received the news that would change the course of her life: she had breast cancer. The diagnosis felt surreal. “I was in disbelief. This could not be happening to me. It was unimaginable.”
Read MoreHelena’s Story
SoCal Model, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer & Funded Family
Read MoreSona’s Story
When Sona was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2018, the news came at a time when life was full—two young sons, a demanding legal career, and a growing family business she was helping to scale from behind the scenes. But beneath the busyness, her body had been whispering that something was wrong.
Read MoreNicole’s Story
To the outside world, Nicole looked like she was okay. But internally, her world had been turned upside down. With no family history, no warning signs, and three children to care for, her diagnosis came as a total shock.
Read MoreCheryl’s Story
This past fall, Cheryl walked the runway in Boston with her son beside her—bringing light, warmth, and presence to the stage. Now, just a few months later, she’s headed across the country to join her dearest metastatic breast cancer (MBC) friends in Southern California, dancing once again in celebration of life, connection, and resilience.
Read More