Meet the Models, NYC: Stacey Golden
Stacey Golden’s grandmother had cancer in her early 40s, her mother had it in her 40’s and two of her aunts were diagnosed in their 30’s. It’s why Stacey “grew up assuming I was going to get it.”
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After having her twins at 30, Stacey got genetic testing, an incredibly progressive choice for the time (early 2000’s). Upon learning she was positive for the BRCA 2 gene, she got a preventative double mastectomy at 34. In 2001, though people were supportive, they certainly didn’t understand the decision. Not until Angelina Jolie announced her surgery years later did Stacey’s begin to be seen as more mainstream.
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For Stacey, the decision comes with no regrets: “it was the best decision I ever made. It changed everything for me. I was so sick of getting testing every six moths and living in fear. I felt so lucky to be able to know ahead of time and able to move forward on my terms.”
Years later, at 40, she had her ovaries out and now, she turns her focus to supporting her daughter, who, at 23 now knows she too is BRCA positive. Stacey notes what medical advancements will mean for her family: “I saw my mom go through it and she is a survivor, but I didn’t want to go through it, or have my kids see me go through it. I am excited my daughter can make the decision she wants ahead of time.”