By Brookshire McDonald COMMUNITY | POETRY Be your own advocate You must do. Healthcare workers are great But overworked, too. Don’t accept “no news is good news” ‘Cause that’s not always so. You need to receive an answer “From the get go.” Life expectancy has increased Causing more older folks on earth, And referrals to specialists Has increased since birth. Appointments are taken For doctors galore Making the wait time A month or more. Adding your name to a call list Is sometimes a thing; But don’t hold your breath For a possible ring. Make the call yourself Every day or two To check on cancellations To find room for you. Make your case By saying you feel worse; But don’t jinx yourself By calling the hearse. Some offices get tired Of your calling so much; So by magic they have an opening Right before lunch! Don’t forget a second opinion Is always a good thing Even tho’ it’s another office You must continue to ring. It’s your body, So show it good care. It means more to you Than others anywhere! To be counted in the life expectancy numbers this year Be your own advocate To release all fear!! Share your story, poetry, or art: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story Connect with SurvivingBreastCancer.org Podcast Weekly Meetup Free Events

By Beth Krasemann COMMUNITY | BREAST CANCER STORIES In May 2023, I went on a run and a dog bit me! I went to a doctor to have it checked out and I asked for an order for a mammogram, as I had not had one since before Covid. The mammogram revealed a fairly large tumor–I was in shock as I had no symptoms, pain, or indication that a 8 centimeter tumor was embedded in my left breast. A needle biopsy and pathology analysis revealed I had triple positive breast cancer; I had positive receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. The cancer had spread to lymph nodes, so a treatment plan was crafted. Later studies put me at stage 2. As I navigated those frightening opening days and weeks, I made a decision I would not stop moving. I ran, hiked, swam, mountain biked, road biked, gravel biked, skied uphill, skied downhill, Nordic skied, kayaked, windsurfed, sailed, climbed mountains, wrote a book, taught high school history, coached ski mountaineering, traveled, and raced in many different events through 18 months of breast cancer treatment—20 rounds of chemo, 28 rounds of radiation, and a mastectomy. I used movement as medicine; I exercised on average 900 minutes a week, far above the 150 minutes recommended by the American Heart Association. I believe movement is the fourth pillar of cancer treatment. In the middle of treatment, I completed one of the most challenging ski mountaineering races in the United States: the Power of Four in Aspen, Colorado, with my son Daniel by my side. My answer to the absurdity of the diagnosis and treatment was to move. I grew up with three older brothers and very active parents who instilled in the family a passion for movement. We spent vacations skiing or backpacking in the mountains and all four of us played a range of sports growing up. After competing as a college soccer and track runner, I continued to pursue physical fitness as a runner and biker in my adult life. So when the cancer diagnosis arrived, I made a deliberate decision to not stop moving. I would not let cancer steal my love of fitness and adventure. It did not matter the pace or how; I simply needed to move my body, every day. The “red devil chemo” (doxorubicin) made running really hard, but I kept at it. I turned to skiing in the winter months as my main focus of movement. After my mastectomy, I skied using only one arm! In the spring, summer and fall, I turned to the trails to run and bike. When I was outside moving, I did not feel like a cancer patient. I felt like a healthy and normal athlete. I wrote about my experience in my book 900 Minutes: Movement as Medicine. It recounts the ups and downs of anyone fighting cancer—or any other trauma. It demonstrates how exercise—in all its forms—serves, sustains, and nurtures us all. I dedicate my book to exercise, in all forms, and to the resilience of my body. I pushed it so hard and she always responded and made my fight through the treatment manageable. To truly mark the end of my treatment and on to what I call Beth 2.0, my husband and I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in June 2026. My story serves as a model of what is possible during breast cancer treatment. Now, let’s get moving! About the author: Beth Krasemann is the author of 900 Minutes: Movement as Medicine. More information: https://900minutes.com/ Read More: The Role of Hormones in Breast Cancer What is Breast Cancer Rehab? Exercise and Breast Cancer Lymphedema is a Chronic Condition & Why I Love Swimming On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations Episode 214: The Benefits of Pilates for Breast Cancer Recovery Share your story, poetry, or art: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story Connect with SurvivingBreastCancer.org Podcast Weekly Meetup Free Events

By Elisa Herrera We walk through a hallway of mirrors, the same day repeating in each one— yet never looking the same. In one, the light is soft, the weight of things barely touches me. I pass through the moment as if it means nothing. In another, the glass darkens— the same scene bends inward, presses against my chest until I can hardly breathe. Nothing has changed— the room, the words, the silence— yet the mirror turns it heavy, turns it into something I cannot carry. I move from reflection to reflection, not realizing I’ve stepped into a different one. One tells me I’m okay. Another whispers: this is too much. And somewhere in between, there must be a mirror that shows things as they are— not softer, not crueler—just true. But until I find it, I keep walking this corridor, living the same life in a thousand different ways. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetups Free Events

SurvivingBreastCancer.org offers breast cancer support through online programs, resources, and a caring community for patients, survivors, and their families. we become part of your support. Get Support Inspire. Empower. Support. Donate TODAY TODAY TODAY TODAY Make an Impact Donate Today When breast cancer becomes part of your life, Community.Education. Support Download the SurvivingBreastCancer.org App Your on-the-go companion for trusted education, meaningful community, and programs designed to support you through every stage of the breast cancer experience. Download from the App Store Download from Google Play Discover Programs Ask Emma Ask Emma, SBC’s virtual support guide, designed to help you quickly navigate programs, resources, and answers tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for support, education, or where to start, Emma is here 24/7 to point you in the right direction. Facts & Figures +390 Programs offered Serving 8,000 individuals +51k Views of our digital content Webinars, on-demand mindfulness & movement classes 190K Podcast Episodes Downloaded Providing education and inspiration 85% Demonstrated increased in education & well-being Support, mental health, and health literacy This December, Your Support Matters! One Community One Rocket One Massive Impact Resources. Community. Support 400+ Virtual Programs Explore Every week, hundreds of people impacted by breast cancer log on to connect, learn, and heal through our 400+ free virtual programs. From weekly support groups to wellness classes and expert-led webinars, experience how powerful community can be. SBC's On-Demand Video Library Watch Now Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, or supporting a loved one, our 600+ videos are here for you 24/7. Explore expert talks, survivor stories, and wellness practices—all free and on demand. Real Stories. Real Voices. Real Support. Listen Now Our podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations, brings together survivors, thrivers, caregivers, and experts in candid conversations that educate, inspire. With over 250 episodes, it’s a trusted companion — whether you’re seeking answers, hope, or just a friendly voice. Donate Join 30,000+ readers who receive our weekly Monday newsletter First name* Last name Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Recibe nuestro boletín en Español Registrate aquí Registrate Shop Now This October, SurvivingBreastCancer.Org is honored to partner with Madam Glam in our shared mission to support breast cancer awareness and action. For every pink gel sold from Madam Glam’s exclusive "Think Pink" Collection, $1 will be donated directly to SurvivingBreastCancer.Org.

Looking for more breast cancer support content? Explore on-demand wellness classes designed for breast cancer thrivers to heal, strengthen, and thrive. On Demand classes On Demand classes On Demand classes On Demand classes Flexible Practice for Busy Lives Explore 900+ on-demand videos Access 900+ on-demand videos designed to support every stage of the breast cancer experience. Explore expert-led educational webinars, Breast Cancer Conversations podcasts, movement classes including Pilates, DIEP Flap Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, guided meditation, hypnosis, expressive arts, and mental health resources. Learn, move, heal, and connect—anytime, anywhere. On-Demand Movement Classes Access on-demand movement classes designed for breast cancer recovery and wellness, including Pilates, DIEP flap yoga, Tai Chi, and gentle exercise videos—available anytime to support strength, mobility, and healing. DIEP Flap Yoga Hosted by Jen Tipton, DIEP Flap Yoga invites participants to improve their mobility and emotional well-being at any point during their breast cancer journey. This program is especially beneficial for those who will or already have had DIEP flap surgery. Tai Chi / Qi Gong Led by experienced instructor Ann Ford, Tai Chi & Qi Gong utilizes ancient mind-body practices to reduce stress, strengthen physical function, and reconnect with your body. This program is curated specifically for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Pilates After Breast Cancer Strength Hosted by classical Pilates instructor and oncology RN, Nina Prol, this community-favorite program invites participants to rediscover their strength, uplift their spirits, and bond in a supportive community setting. Restorative Yoga Guided by instructor Kate Garcia, Restorative Yoga combines natural imagery's soothing influence with an accessible and nurturing body sequence to create an inviting, cozy atmosphere for the breast cancer community. On-Demand Mental Health Classes Explore on-demand mental health and wellness videos, including meditation, hypnosis, expressive arts, and supportive resources to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and support your healing experience. Meditation Reflection Hosted by Gloria Shoon, this guided meditation series invites participants to cultivate awareness and inner balance through the teachings of the Buddhist Eightfold Path. Deepen self-awareness, reduce stress and build sustainable mindfulness. Hypnosis Hosted by Dr. Jennifer Kane, Guided Hypnosis invites participants to explore positive mindset shifts, emotional resilience, and personal empowerment through guided relaxation and visualization. Release limiting beliefs and reduce stress during or after a cancer diagnosis. Reiki Infused Meditation Hosted by Marie McGuire, Reiki Circle of Care invites participants to relax, restore, and reconnect through guided meditation and distance Reiki energy healing. Designed to promote emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being for breast cancer thrivers. Meditation for Self-Care Meditation for Self-Care invites participants to pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves through gentle guided meditation practices. Designed to promote calm, resilience, and self-compassion while supporting emotional well-being, stress reduction, and balance. Breathwork These brief sessions provide viewers with simple yet powerful breathing exercises to promote mindfulness, balance, and tension-relief. Perfect for a quick and effective refresh. Expressive Arts Brought to you by SBC's own Elisa Herrera, our Artistic Expression program aims to help breast cancer thrivers reconnect with their creativity for emotional healing and regulation. Forest Bathing Led by breast cancer thriver and certified forest therapy guide, Regan Stacey, forest bathing invites those impacted by cancer to engage in a sensory awakening meditation. On-Demand Webinars & Educational Content: Explore expert-led webinars and podcast episodes on breast cancer education, treatment, survivorship, and wellness. Access trusted insights, practical guidance, and supportive conversations anytime. Breast Cancer Conversations Radiation Chemotherapy Nutrition Screenings Hormonal Therapy Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Surgery MBC Webinar Series On-Demand Poems & Music for Relaxation: Discover calming poems and soothing music designed to support relaxation, reduce stress, and promote emotional healing during and after breast cancer treatment. Poems Music for Sleeping Music for relaxation

SurvivingBreastCancer.org offers breast cancer support through online programs, resources, and a caring community for patients, survivors, and their families. Community.Education. Support When breast cancer becomes part of your life, we become part of your support. Get Support Fuel Cancer Survivorship into 2026 Donate Today! Our Impact in Numbers Facts & Figures +390 Programs offered Serving 8,000 individuals +51k Views of our digital content Video views from our digital content library Webinars, on-demand mindfulness & movement classes 190K Podcast Episodes Downloaded Providing education and inspiration 85% Demonstrated increased confidence Support, mental health, and health literacy This December, Your Support Matters! Fuel Cancer Survivorship into 2026 Resources. Community. Support 400+ Virtual Programs Explore Every week, hundreds of people impacted by breast cancer log on to connect, learn, and heal through our 400+ free virtual programs. From weekly support groups to wellness classes and expert-led webinars, experience how powerful community can be. SBC's On-Demand Video Library Watch Now Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, or supporting a loved one, our 600+ videos are here for you 24/7. Explore expert talks, survivor stories, and wellness practices—all free and on demand. Real Stories. Real Voices. Real Support. Listen Now Our podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations, brings together survivors, thrivers, caregivers, and experts in candid conversations that educate, inspire. With over 250 episodes, it’s a trusted companion — whether you’re seeking answers, hope, or just a friendly voice. Donate Donate Today! About you Join Subscribe to Our Mailing List Thanks for subscribing! Recibe nuestro boletín en Español Registrate aquí Registrate Shop Now This October, SurvivingBreastCancer.Org is honored to partner with Madam Glam in our shared mission to support breast cancer awareness and action. For every pink gel sold from Madam Glam’s exclusive "Think Pink" Collection, $1 will be donated directly to SurvivingBreastCancer.Org.