By Jill Siegal Chalsty Bay of Islands, New Zealand – learning about and becoming inspired by the resilience of the Maori people I’m the founder of Overcoming Obstacles, a nonprofit organization that provides the world’s educators with free life skills curricula to teach in their classrooms. I had devoted decades to helping ensure young people learn the communication, decision making, and goal setting skills they need to lead healthy and prosperous lives. But my journey with cancer taught me that I hadn’t been practicing those same skills myself. On October 5, 2022, I left my home for twenty-four hours that would change my life forever. I had been followed for years as someone at high risk of breast cancer and then my incredible surgeon and her team at Moffitt Cancer Center stepped in when cancer was found. Leaving home for a double mastectomy would have been difficult for anyone, but I had become the full-time caregiver for my husband, John. He had been my source of strength for decades but was now entering the final stages of mixed dementia. I headed to Moffitt alone. During my time in recovery post-surgery, I didn’t have the television on. Nor did I have visitors. I lay in my bed, reliving moments of my past. I thought about a trip John and I had taken to a small island off Fiji, one of the most beautiful places we had ever visited. The sun bounced off the turquoise water. Ripe coconuts fell from the trees. That had become my happy place. Other memories surfaced too, reminding me that I was raised to be a warrior. Delivering a "packet of hope" in Mauritius My parents were fighters. My father had served with the Marines during the Korean War and taught my brother, sister, and me things that helped him make it through the most difficult times, including crossing the Han River during the Inchon Invasion and making it back to shore alive. Dad had favorite quotes that became huge in our lives. One from George W. Cecil that we were instructed to memorize was on the wall of his home office: “On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who at the dawn of victory, sat down to rest, and resting died.” The quote became a way of life for me. “Never hesitate! Jump on things right away!” I did that through childhood, into adulthood, in preparing for surgery, and in caring for myself and my husband as I recovered. But growing up, no one talked to us about “balance.” We all need to have balance in our lives, otherwise we’ll be stressed and burn out. And the link from stress to cancer is well documented in studies. What’s more, no one spoke to us about getting a good night’s sleep or the diet necessary to be healthy. Not even well-intentioned and caring parents were able to teach the skills I needed to stay healthy. A warrior spirit and sayings got me through the twenty-four hours away from John but weren’t going to be enough to win my battle against cancer. Fifteen months after the double mastectomy, I was diagnosed with two primary lung cancers in my left lung. I had the upper half of my left lung removed for the larger of the two cancers and then lasted only a few rounds of chemo before my kidneys cried, “Enough!” The cancer in the lower left lung is being monitored by CT scans. I’m living my life now in chunks of months. This new timetable has become the calendar for planning my life. With each report of “Stable” I move forward. During my recovery, I began writing my memoir, Packets of Hope and with that spent hours re-reading the Overcoming Obstacles curriculum. I engaged with the lessons and, best of all, connected with former students to hear how the life skills they learned in school saved their lives. Now, unlike the person who walked through the doors of Moffitt Cancer Center in 2022, I’m practicing what Overcoming Obstacles educators teach. I’m setting small goals to reach larger ones, making healthy choices, and surrounding myself with positive people. These lessons aren’t just for students. They’re lessons for us all. About the author: Jill Siegal Chalsty is the author of Packets of Hope: A Journey of Healing and Rediscovery. Read More: The Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer: Strategies for Coping A Disabled Clinical Psychologist’s 6 Tips for Living Well with Breast Cancer Grit and Grace 20 Sleep Hacks For A Better Night's Rest On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations The Messy Middle of Breast Cancer: Chemo, Surgery, Side Effects, and Survivorship Share your story, poetry, or art: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Podcast Weekly Meetup Free Events

By Lisa Johnson I first heard the words “you have breast cancer” in November 2014 while lying in bed praying. As I turned onto my right side, I felt a sudden pain in my breast and asked God, “What is this pain, and where did it come from?” In my spirit, I heard Him say, “You have breast cancer, but fear not, for I am with you.” Those words echoed in my heart like a broken record as I moved through the holidays carrying thoughts I had not yet shared with anyone. I waited until January to schedule a mammogram, when my new health insurance became active. By February 2015, the journey had begun, and it moved quickly. A mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy confirmed my diagnosis: breast cancer, ER/PR-positive, HER2-negative. That single year brought overwhelming change: marital separation, moving, job loss, a mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy that nearly took my life, infections requiring hospitalization, and ultimately a divorce, all while preparing my only child, who also became my caregiver, for his senior year of high school. I survived by entering what I call “lock and load mode,” pressing forward one step at a time. I trusted God, believing this season was temporary, and I declared with faith, “I am healed. I shall live and not die.” By the end of that year, treatment was complete, cancer was in remission, I had a new job, and life finally felt stable again. Although I thought I would magically snap back to “normal,” I soon realized I was so wrong. I needed to embrace this new body, new person and found myself grieving the woman I was prior to breast cancer. I faithfully followed my oncology care, took tamoxifen for a few years, and looked forward to my five-year cancer-free milestone. Then on May 25, 2020, during what I thought would be my victory oncology appointment, everything changed. A lingering cough and abnormal blood work led to scans that confirmed breast cancer had returned, this time as stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, spreading to my lungs and bones. Those words took my breath away. Fear came rushing in, I was faced with my mortality much sooner than I ever thought I would be, but I knew I had a choice. I had to declare yet again, “I shall live and not die!” Rather than shrinking back in fear, I chose to continue to have faith in God, grab life by the horns and live, now. Treatment began immediately. After one chemotherapy treatment caused a medical emergency and revealed a single brain tumor, I underwent CyberKnife radiation, noninvasive and successful. Chemotherapy was stopped, and I transitioned to a treatment plan of fulvestrant (Faslodex) injections and ribociclib (Kisqali). That decision changed everything. Today, I have been boldly living with metastatic breast cancer for five years and grateful to have been NED for about the past three and a half years. I enjoy a great quality of life with manageable side effects, work full-time and feel like myself most days. I am not merely surviving, I am learning, leading, teaching, advocating and truly thriving. My journey with metastatic breast cancer has become my mission and purpose. I am committed to learning all I can about MBC and using my voice to share my story, encouraging and educating others on what metastatic breast cancer truly is, ensuring its ribbon is recognized, and advocating for stronger resources, better legislation, and increased research funding. I am not just an MBC patient: I am a peer support and advocate. I am living proof that purpose is more powerful than prognosis. Read More: Metastatic Breast Cancer: Understanding the Significance of Stage IV The Role of Hormones in Breast Cancer Early Warning Signs of Breast Cancer On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations The Hidden Trauma of Breast Cancer: PTSD, Fear, Triggers, and Healing Share your story, poetry, or art: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Podcast Weekly Meetup Free Events

By Summer Owens I was forty-six when my world shifted with four words no one ever wants to hear. You have breast cancer. And the surprising part is that I did not panic. My very first thought was the same phrase that has carried me through so many of life’s hardest seasons. S.O. What!. Not as in this does not matter, but rather I can face this. Then came the next question that always follows for me. S.O. NOW what? That mindset became the foundation for everything that happened next. My diagnosis was ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), stage 0, found during a routine ultrasound and confirmed by biopsy. I felt no lump. No pain. No warning. Just a quiet discovery that changed everything. I am grateful it was caught early, but hearing the word cancer still takes your breath in a different way. In September, I had a partial mastectomy. I didn’t have to have lymph nodes removed, and I’m grateful I didn’t have to have chemotherapy. A blessing I do not take lightly. The scar reminded me of my C section years ago. Another physical reminder of something that changed my life and made me stronger. Radiation brought its own surprises. Twenty sessions later, my breast is so dark now that I cannot even see the scar anymore. And even in that, I found gratitude. I was still here. Still healing. Still moving forward. Fatigue, brain fog, and emotional swings showed up too. Although I like to blame menopause for most of that and keep it light when I can. There were hard days, but there was also humor, honesty, and grace. I am self-employed, which helped me schedule treatment around work, but it also means insurance and costs have been a challenge. My son is grown and out of the house, so I walked much of this alone. It was peaceful at times and painful at others. Still, I am grateful. So grateful. I looked forward to seeing my friends who are also fighting cancer when I went to my daily radiation appointments because their appointment times were close to mine. We shared stories, shared life experiences, and laughed and encouraged each other a lot. What helped me with expectations were the friends who had been diagnosed with DCIS before me. They gave me real, honest expectations, and because of them, nothing felt as terrifying as the unknown usually does. And then there was the support I received from people who surprised me. Individuals who had no idea how much their kindness meant or how deeply their messages touched me. At the same time, I had to navigate the quiet heartbreak of realizing that some people I thought would check on me never called at all. That part was hard, but even in that, I found clarity, strength, and a deeper appreciation for the people who truly showed up. Perhaps the most meaningful part of this journey has been turning pain into purpose. A few years ago, I helped my mother pass out one hundred pink crochet caps at Race for the Cure. I had no idea that breast cancer awareness would one day become personal. This year, I created my own breast cancer awareness hoodie brand to honor this chapter, bring awareness to early detection, and share the mindset that carried me through. I gave my surgical oncologist a hoodie, and she even made a video about breast cancer surgery in it! I share my story because I remember searching for stories just like this when I was first diagnosed. Stories that told the truth. Stories that offered hope. Stories that said you can get through this too. If you are in the fight, just beginning, or supporting someone you love, I am praying for you. I see you. And I believe in what you still have the strength to overcome. My journey was not what I expected, but it reminded me once again that obstacles are not the end of the story. With faith, gratitude, and the right mindset, they become the beginning of a new purpose. S.O. What!. Now, what will you do with your next challenge? Connect with Summer: www.summerowens.com https://www.youtube.com/@SummerOwensSOwhat instagram.com/summero_sowhat facebook.com/SummerO.SOwhat linkedin.com/in/summer-owens-10846625 https://www.thesowhatfoundation.org/ https://summerowens.com/product/the-s-o-what-breast-cancer-awareness-hoodie/ Read More: Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (“Stage Zero” Breast Cancer) The Impact of Breast Cancer on Self-Image Managing Fatigue During Breast Cancer Treatment The Cost of Breast Cancer On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations DCIS Isn’t “Nothing”: Stage Zero Breast Cancer and the Decisions No One Explains Share your story, poetry, or art: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Podcast Weekly Meetup Free Events

Seeds of Hope Celebrating renewal, resilience, and the belief that even in difficult seasons, we can hold onto hope and finding the strength to keep going, one day at a time. This spring, SurvivingBreastCancer.org invites you to take part in Seeds of Hope, our annual campaign rooted in renewal, resilience, and the belief that even in difficult times we can hold onto the strength it takes to live each day as it comes. We are strong. We are fragile. It is not either or, we can be both in the face of cancer. Donate Today & Receive your Seeds of Hope Box Register for the May 6th Virtual Gathering Why This Matters Financial, Emotional, & Wellness Programming Trusted Information & Educational Resources Survivorship Programming & Tools A breast cancer diagnosis brings more than medical challenges. The financial, emotional, and physical impacts of cancer can be overwhelming, often extending far beyond treatment itself. Your participation helps create access to trusted resources, meaningful connection, and spaces where individuals can learn, share, and grow. Through Seeds of Hope, your support helps sustain SurvivingBreastCancer.org’s work — providing education, community, and integrative wellness programming that meets people where they are and supports them throughout survivorship. DONATION TIERS Donate $65 Donate $100 What's Inside the Box? Make A Donation: $65 Seeds of Hope When you make a donation of $65, you’ll receive a beautifully curated Seeds of Hope box with three packets of seeds representing hope, strength, and renewal. Your gift helps support SBC’s education, community, and integrative wellness programming, creating space for connection, healing, and growth. Make A Donation: $100 Plant it Forward When you donate $100 or more, you’ll receive your Seeds of Hope box along with a special gift from SBC. Your donation helps expand access to SBC’s programs and access to support and wraparound services. A Look Inside Inside your Seeds of Hope box, you’ll find a curated collection of flower seeds including wildflowers, sunflowers, and a seasonal bloom. Each flower is chosen to represent hope, strength, and renewal. Alongside your seeds, you’ll receive a planting guide and a message from SBC, a small, and meaningful way to honor our breast cancer community. Make a Donation Today Seeds of Hope: A Virtual Gathering in Support of SBC Date: Wednesday May 6, 2026 Time: 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. ET Join us for a special evening of connection, inspiration, and community. This spring, we invite you to come together for an evening of shared stories, inspiration, and meaningful connection. Together, we’ll explore beginner-friendly gardening while also highlighting the impact SurvivingBreastCancer.org is making in the lives of those living with and beyond breast cancer. Reserve your spot for $25 and join us on May 6. Your participation helps support SBC’s 350+ annual programs, weekly educational content, and integrative wellness experiences — expanding access to the resources, community, and support that individuals need throughout survivorship. What to expect: • A special guest (gardener/nature expert) sharing the meaning of planting and growth • Personal stories and reflections from the breast cancer community • A gentle, guided grounding and healing moment • Connection with others Reserve Your Sport Presented by:

Explore the latest news and press releases from SurvivingBreastCancer.org, including breast cancer event involvement and impact updates. Featured On Latest News Media SurvivingBreastCancer.org Releases 2025 Impact Report SurvivingBreastCancer.org is happy to share its end-of-year impact report for the year 2025. The report is available to download here. SurvivingBreastCancer.org Receives Gilead Foundation Grant for Metastatic Breast Cancer Support SurvivingBreastCancer.org was named among the recipients of new grants from the Gilead Foundation. SABCS 2025: Why We Attended, What We Attended — And What the Science Is Saying For the seventh year, SurvivingBreastCancer.org (SBC) attended the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS)—and for the second year, we proudly brought patient advocates through our Educational Scholars Program. Press Kit Download our brand kit and logos! Brand kit Download Surviving Breast Cancer logos Download Después De Un Diagnóstico logos Download Podcast logos Download Sponsorship Opportunities Become part of the SBC family! Download Press Releases

Breast Cancer Webinars Learn. Ask Questions. Stay Informed. Expert-led, free virtual education for early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Upcoming Webinars Triage Cancer: Navigating the Practical Issues of Metastatic Cancer: Insurance, Work, & Finances Tue, Jul 14 webinar Facing metastatic cancer comes with more than medical decisions. Learn how to navigate insurance, employment, and financial challenges with expert guidance from Triage Cancer. Share RSVP Weight Changes After Breast Cancer: What We Know About GLP-1 Medications Wed, Jul 22 Zoom Are these medications safe and effective for people diagnosed with breast cancer?Learn how breast cancer treatment affects weight, metabolism, and survivorship, and what current research says about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Share RSVP Triage Cancer: Supporting Caregivers Through Metastatic Cancer Tue, Aug 18 webinar Caring for a parent with metastatic cancer can feel overwhelming. Join this expert-led session to learn about legal rights, financial resources, and realistic ways to support both your loved one—and yourself. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Triage Cancer: Ready to Return: Understand Your Rights When Going Back to Work Wed, Aug 26 webinar Triage Cancer Conferences cover key tips to help navigate legal and practical issues, reduce the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis, and lower stress. Share RSVP