2020, what a year to remember. For most, it would be the year of COVID-19, the toilet tissue pandemic, and quarantine. But for me, it was the year my life truly changed. In April, I was tested for a cancer gene mutation that some of my family has tested positive for. I went into this process with high spirits and positive thoughts, but my mind still wandered for the 4-6 weeks of waiting for the results. I knew that there was a possibility of the test coming back positive because my mother also carries the gene mutation. In June, the results came in; I was positive for the PALB2 breast cancer mutation. My world turned upside down hearing that I had a 40-60% chance of developing breast cancer, a 10-15% chance of developing ovarian cancer, and a 5% chance of pancreatic cancer. My genealogist and oncology team told me that the biggest concern would be breast cancer, as my mother is a two-time survivor, with her first diagnosis at the age of 36. There I was, two months before my 30th birthday, with no children, being told the best option for me was a bilateral mastectomy. Breastfeeding had been a dream of mine when I became a mother. That nurturing bond that I longed to have would not be anymore. It took two long years of coping with that thought not becoming a reality. After talking with my therapist, I became more accepting of taking the steps needed to ensure that I would be able to be present when I became a parent over the need to breastfeed. I set my appointment with my plastic surgeons, got additional mammograms, and am now scheduled to have surgery on February 16, 2023. Having this surgery ensures that I will not have to face the worries of breast cancer, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments. It also means that I will be out of work for a minimum of 4-6 weeks for healing and recovery. I will have a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction surgery in one surgery setting. I am here today to ask for any donations I can receive to help me with medical and personal expenses, i.e., rent, car note, utilities, etc., while out of work for the weeks following surgery. Any amount given will be greatly appreciated in this time of need. Thank you for your time and attention to my cause. – Vogue Ward
