For the past five years my sister Taresa Vandergrift very bravely faced cancer. January 2009 she was diagnosed with a very rare disease called IBC (inflammatory breast cancer) as well as tested positive for the BRCA1 gene. Since her diagnosis, our paternal side of the family has discovered that they too are carriers of this gene.
Of my grandmother's 13 children, 8 have been tested and are positive for the BRCA1 gene... 5 of her granddaughter's have tested positive. One of our cousin's, Heather, recently was diagnosed positive with triple negative stage 1 breast cancer and will now begin her own brave walk undergoing sixteen weeks of chemo...
Had this information not been shared with family members, this early diagnosis may not have been caught. Women in my family are more diligent about talking with their dr's. My hopes are that you too will have this discussion with your doctor, family member or friend. Early detection can save a life and change futures...
To honor Taresa and her brave walk with cancer, my cousin Kristi Ward McMurtry
has set up a page that will allow you to show your support and memorialize Taresa or someone close to you that is or has a brave walk ahead of them. Please visit, purchase, share and be BRAVE... Blessings, Jania
A portion of your purchase will go toward a memorial fund in Taresa's name.https://bravelets.com/bravepage/taresa-vandergrift-memorial
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