Synthia’s Story

Meet the Models, SoCal: Synthia

In October 2023, Synthia received a diagnosis that changed everything: Stage 3 Hormone Positive, HER2-Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma—at just 29 years old. She was feeling the best she had in years when one night, a lump, skin discoloration, and rippling on her left breast signaled that something was wrong.

“As soon as I felt the mass, I knew I had cancer.”

Her instincts were right. It was the beginning of a battle that would include 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and 30 rounds of radiation. Today, she is living flat while awaiting reconstruction and learning to love her body at every stage.

“I share my story because breast cancer can happen under 40. Self-exams matter. I hope my journey inspires early detection and empowers others to self-advocate. I will always say yes to supporting another survivor in their fight.”

Still, her reaction to the diagnosis wasn’t fear—it was relief. After months of unexplained symptoms, finally having answers meant she could begin fighting.

“That might sound shocking, but I was relieved. I finally had answers. My doctor, Dr. Thompson, fought to get me preliminary results so I could leave the office that day knowing the truth. I’ll never forget that advocacy.”

To honor that moment, she made a plan before even hearing the results: no matter what happened, she and her family would go to Disneyland.

That kind of resolve has carried her through every part of her experience. But survivorship, she says, is not a finish line.

“The fight doesn’t stop at the end of treatment. Survivorship is lifelong. There are still appointments, scans, labs, fear of recurrence, side effects, body changes, and grief for the life I had before.”

Faith has anchored her throughout. Synthia credits her peace to her belief in Jesus and the incredible support system around her—family, friends, coworkers, and a team of medical professionals she deeply admires.

“I had an overwhelming sense of peace. I knew the fight would be hard, but He would provide—and He did. I was never alone. My ‘doctor mom,’ my oncologist, is someone I absolutely adore. People organized days out if I felt isolated. My coworker created a fingerprint tree with my encouragement phrase, and others made a photo collage for my bell ringing. My mom’s coworkers sent spa baskets and covered a full spa day for us. I was—and am—so incredibly blessed.”

She also experienced one of the most emotional moments of her treatment when her surgical plan changed dramatically—within days—from a lumpectomy to a mastectomy. She also learned she did not qualify for reconstruction due to her BMI, a shocking blow she’s still working through. She hopes one day she’ll be eligible, but until then, she’s learning to embrace and honor her body.

“I never thought I wouldn't be able to have reconstruction. But I’ve learned to love all versions of myself.”

Her advice to newly diagnosed survivors is layered with grace and understanding:

“Let yourself feel everything. The early weeks are so busy—you might not feel the emotions right away, and that’s okay. They’ll come later. When they do, meet them with compassion.”

And now, after all of it, 2026 begins with clear scans and improved bloodwork.

“This year is special. I’m starting it healthy, and I plan to focus on building better habits and enjoying every celebration, every special life moment. These are the moments we live for.”

Synthia brings that joy and gratitude to the stage this year. Her story is one of courage, self-advocacy, and unwavering faith. She is proof that strength doesn’t always roar—it sometimes whispers, I’ll keep going.