Meet the Models, New England: Kerri Foley
Kerri Foley’s mammogram saved her life. It revealed a breast cancer diagnosis that left her “stunned.” It also made her one of four women on her street in Waltham, MA diagnosed with the disease. A shocking trend that meant Kerri had women to lean on during that time in her life. Her closest friend immediately stepped in to answer all of her questions and lead her to all the best resources. Ultimately, Kerri received a double mastectomy, despite the disease only being in one breast: “I didn’t want to handle MRI’s every six months. I needed that worry out of my life.” She would go on to have chemotherapy and monthly shots ending in 2023.
While the changes to her body and hormones have been especially difficult, telling her children proved most difficult: “Going through the process of telling them, I relied heavily on my friend again. My children saw her fight and come out the other side, so I was able to connect her story to mine.” It’s proof of the power of community in even the smallest moments.
Post treatment, Kerri continued to try to find her normal. Initially she wanted her old life back, but a friend quickly reminded her that life would never be the same, so Kerri had to decide what her “new normal” would be. Part of that was connecting with those who had faced a diagnosis like her. In addition to the Waltham Badasses, Kerri began to take part in wellness programs and groups. The groups provided particular support in ways people in her life (though well meaning) could not: “Everyone is asking how you are doing. I just didn’t want to be in situations where I was always saying good when things weren’t always good. I know people are coming out from the right place, but it’s really hard.”
For the newly diagnosed, she stresses what she didn’t do right away, which was to “find those programs and find those people that can truly support you.” More removed from treatment now, Kerri pays it forward by helping any women who need support after diagnosis: “I enjoy that aspect. Earlier on, I wasn’t in a great mental state to help anyone, but coming out on the other side, I can see the massive benefits of talking to someone else who has been through it.”