8 Inspirational Stories from Breast Cancer Survivors and Their Families

During breast cancer, from diagnosis to treatment, support is invaluable. Learn more here about eight stories that showcase the power of support with breast cancer.

Support plays a vital role for breast cancer patients who have to undergo the long process from diagnosis through treatment. Below are eight inspirational stories that prove the impact of support on breast cancer patients:

1. Bonnie Brooks: She is a survivor of metastatic breast cancer. In 2008, Bonnie was diagnosed with stage 3 metastatic breast cancer and her oncologist told her that she likely would not survive, but she had faith that she would win the battle against cancer. She recorded all her conversations with the doctor, which also made it easier for her family members to understand her situation. With the help of her family and friends, she fought this deadly disease and is alive today to tell others her inspiring story.
2. Tracy Benjamin: She was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer. She shares her story about how she walked into a charity event and was being interviewed when her boyfriend came onto the stage and proposed to her. This shows there is still true love and kindness present even in the midst of a devastating diagnosis.
3. Tyler Schweer’s mom: A small gesture can have a huge impact on someone’s life. In a fan letter sent by Tyler Schweer, he wrote how he had gone to watch a wrestling match featuring John Cena. There, Cena gave him a wrist band without even knowing who he was. Schweer then gave that band to his mom, who was undergoing her first breast cancer surgery, as a sign of support, and it turned out to be a huge success. Schweer’s mom was later deemed completely free from cancer.
4. Kim Williams: Kim had to undergo a double mastectomy (the removal of both breasts). Instead of going in for reconstructive surgery of her breasts, she chose to keep them as they were. She then got a beautiful tattoo covering her scars to mark the success of her surgery.
5. Wayne Lipscomb: In 2012, Wayne got her diagnosis of stage 2 cancer. During her treatment, she learned that her older son was killed in an attempt to stop a robbery. This broke her and she cancelled all her appointments, but her family supported her and encouraged her to continue with the treatment. Today, she is free of cancer and has started an NGO in memory of her son.
6. Tiana: Before Tiana was diagnosed with cancer, her husband had a serious stroke that left him with brain damage. After the treatment and with lots of care from his wife, he got better, but then Tiana got her bad news: she had breast cancer. However, she credits her husband and her faith in keeping her strong through the treatments and her eventual triumph over the disease.
7. Marilyn: She has been free of breast cancer, but she has chosen to fight for others who are suffering from this deadly disease. She is part of two groups in her area that support the fight.
8. Roxy Martinez: Roxy was pregnant with her second child when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy on her breast, which was infected, and on the last day of chemo, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl.