Meet the Models, NYC: Tammy Leyden

Tammy Leyden was just 24 when her mother died of breast cancer in 1997. She had no idea her mother was even sick until the night before she passed: “she never went to the doctor or received a diagnosis. She basically wasted away in front of us, but we feel like she did that to protect us.”

Her mother’s passing would drive many of her life decisions moving forward. After taking some time off to process, Tammy returned to school and went on to become an occupational therapist in the same hospital her mother passed in. She would then go on to pioneer a lymphedema program for five years, specifically geared towards breast cancer patients. In that time, she also ran a dance exercise class for her patients. That time “was my way of healing.”

Years later she would test for BRCA, but to her shock, she came back negative for all genes. She would continue to be diligent about screenings, but in 2018 it would be she herself who felt a lump. Testing later revealed breast cancer: “I had prepared myself in some ways for what it might be like if I got a diagnosis. It all just began from there. I was a machine. I was laser focused on not becoming my mother. I had to be there for my children and get through this.”

Going through a divorce at the time, Tammy had a lot on her plate. She chose to control what she could. After her mastectomy, she dialed in on nutrition and exercise to prepare her body for reconstruction surgery. Once her final surgery was complete, she spent her recovery time, with her background as an occupational therapist, to get certified to teach exercises specifically geared towards breast cancer patients and survivors: “it’s something I am really proud of. It also was healing for me to connect with other women who took the class.”

Five years out from cancer, Tammy continues to be an open book with anyone seeking guidance on their breast cancer journey. She also is determined to encourage women to not put their health on the backburner, like most busy parents do. Early detection saved her life and she hopes other women are just as proactive.