Meet the Models: Rebecca Melendez

Rebecca Melendez, walking in memory of her mother, Linda Matecki Campbell (2010.) 

I will be walking the runway in memory of my mother, Linda M. (Matecki) Campbell. My mother passed away from metastatic breast cancer on January 19, 2010. She was originally diagnosed with breast cancer back in January, 2004, and enjoyed several years seemingly cancer free until it was discovered in July, 2009 that the cancer had returned and spread primarily to her liver. I had not even heard of BRCA until after she passed away, and decided to get tested for the genetic mutation in 2013 and I found out I have the BRCA 1 genetic mutation (which my father said he had heard my mother had tested positive for as well). I have since become a member and participant with Boston’s Bright Pink support group. I discuss what having BRCA 1 is like openly to anyone willing to listen (i.e. Facebook), and all about my MRI and Mammogram screenings along with plans for prophylactic surgeries in the coming years.

There was so much I wish I knew while my mother was battling her cancer, and now I am motivated to honor her memory by telling my story and journey with losing my mother to breast cancer and navigating the choices I’ve faced since discovering I inherited the BRCA 1 genetic mutation.