Hi,
My name is Courtney and I was a 2 time survivor of breast cancer by the age of 35. I had no history of breast cancer in my family, but tested for the gene mutation and found out that I was BRCA2. I was a single mother of a 3-year- old daughter at the time of my first diagnosis. Sedona was 5 when I was diagnosed a second time.
More devastating than a breast cancer diagnosis at age 33, more devastating than losing my hair or being diagnosed a second time just a year out of treatment, was finding out that I was unable to have more children. I had come from a family of 4 kids and always wanted at least 4 children myself. I am happy to say that I re-married in July of 2000 and adopted two baby girls domestically in June of 2002. Sage and Sienna are just 13 days apart. In May of 2006, I adopted my son. Slayton is now 3-years-old.
I have had a long battle with breast cancer, losing both of my breasts, my hair, my fertility...but it has also led to a lot of positive things in my life. My family is amazing and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I am now very active in the breast cancer community. I just completed my 10th Breast Cancer 3 Day 60-Mile walk this past summer with my team and raised almost $48,000. I walked for 60 miles alongside my 15-year-old daughter and my sister in Boston. We will walk in Chicago next year and hope to raise even more money. I also participate in the Race for the Cure in Portland, Oregon with my entire family. The photo above was taken at the 2008 Race for the Cure.
On October 2nd, I hit my 13 anniversary as a breast cancer survivor. Life is good. I say, "Every day above ground is a good day!"
I hope that my story inspires other young survivors to follow their dreams and to pursue having children, even if the effects of chemo have taken away your fertility.
I have a wonderful fulfilling life now as a breast cancer survivor and I appreciate my family, my friends and every day that I am given. My life has been a good one and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Courtney Lercara
2 time survivor