Pink Aid LI Model A Story of Survival - Get Tested

When confronted with a cancer diagnosis, we rarely think of anything positive, but the serendipitous story of Christina and Maria shines a light on the power of friendship and love. Not love in the romantic sense, but an unconditional love that emerged out of tragedy. A zen proverb, “The Obstacle is The Path”guides this journey of two women using their life experience to make a difference.

At just 33 years old Christina, a beautiful, seemingly healthy young lady was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. With so much cancer in her family, Christina followed her genetic counselors’ orders to stay ahead of it by “being under surveillance” with yearly colonoscopies, endoscopies, sonograms and biopsies. She did just that and her doctors caught her cancer early.

Christina was a perfect candidate for genetic testing because there were so many different cancers in her family. She discovered that she carries a much less known about, but equally important and often deadly genetic mutation, the MLH-1 gene. We have heard so much about the BRCA gene, but the MLH-1 gene is associated with something few people know about, Lynch Syndrome. People with this mutation are at a greatly elevated risk for endometrial, ovarian and colon cancers. Being the courageous woman that she is, Christina created a plan of attack and although much younger than federal guidelines to have a mammogram, she pushed to get tested. Her focused refusal to delay testing is likely why Christina is able to share her story today.

At a work event Christina was overheard discussing her most recent findings. Not the typical discussion of 30-somethings and likely not what others her age could identify with. Hearing the words “breast cancer” caught the attention of another woman in the room, Maria. These two energetic and vibrant ladies quickly found out that they had more in common than they imagined. Maria had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. Seeing her diagnosis as part nightmare, part inspiration and lots of education, Maria suggested Christina get an appointment with her trusted surgeon immediately. Maria also introduced Christina to Pink Aid’s Pink Purse program which offers financial support to women going through breast cancer treatment.

Despite the twenty-year age difference, Maria and Christina became inseparable. Maria moved mountains to accompany Christina to her appointments and chemotherapy treatments. Not only did Maria provide detailed medical information, but she created a space for comedy, laughter and fun, all the while being a shoulder to lean on during the many moments of despair. “We thought it was critical to both of our healing to get out and have a social life, to feel a part of and be normal. We often enjoy educating ourselves or participating in events that impact someone else’s life in order to distract our brains from worry. I attended Maria’s Sweat for Pink fundraiser for Pink Aid. Maria really keep me going during treatment. And when I was too tired, she reminded me to rest, to eat, and to wear a coat in cold weather. I felt like a child at times, but I surrendered to the direction of someone wiser”, Christina said.

They say you have to walk in someone else’s shoes to really understand a person’s personal rollercoaster. It must be true. These two women light up any room, are partners in healing and now in helping other women going through similar life events. Today both are the picture of health and true beauty. They help each other stand when days are challenging and fly with the victories of what only cancer survivors experience when good test results are received.

Without Christina’s highly proactive efforts she may never have known in time that she not only had breast cancer but also early stage endometrial cancer. “Learning this news was devastating to someone who is single and who has not yet had any children. After the initial blow, my doctors helped me to see that my life, my survival had to be the main focus. And to trust the rest will fall into place.”

Now at 34 years old, Christina has been through numerous surgeries and extended treatment with more operations ahead, but she is vibrant, energetic and openly sharing her story in hopes that women will be their own advocate and persevere to not only live, but to thrive.

Lynch Syndrome can be genetically tested through a simple blood test. It’s Christina’s hope that any woman with any of the associated cancers in their family will push heaven and earth to get a genetic test. “Without this knowledge, you will wait to have symptoms of cancer and then it will be too late”, Christina says.

Three out of four with a family history similar to Christina’s when tested find that they have the MLH-1 mutation. No one plans to get cancer, but knowing your own body, family history and being unrelenting, is key to survival, especially for younger women. Proactive measures, although challenging, can be taken to greatly reduce the chance of future cancers. As we all know, health insurance coverage can be limited by statistics, profits and too many other factors that often deny aggressive proactive treatment. Christina is a glorious example of how standing up for your own life truly makes a difference. Standing with a friend has made the days of despair into a future of opportunity.

Many women feel the fear of getting cancer is more overwhelming than the disease itself. Every woman needs to be vigilant to protect her own life, which may be difficult at times due to family obligations, funds and timing. But in the end, it must be the priority. “Just think how it would affect your kids, your family, your community, if you ignore taking care of yourself.” Christina said.

Pink Aid www.pinkaid.org provides funds to breast cancer coalitions and organizations across Long Island. Early diagnosis is critical for a healthy future. Pink Purse helps to relieve some of the financial stresses during treatment. Together Pink Aid and Pink Purse are working to deliver services to ease the struggles of a life that includes cancer with compassion. Christina credits Pink Aid’s Pink Purse with helping her over her own financial hurdles when she was newly diagnosed. Putting pride aside and focusing forward, a little help now can be repaid by helping other’s in the future. That is the Pink Aid philosophy – survivors healing through helping other’s through the darkest days and together basking in the light of life’s successes.

On October 17th Christina will join other survivors as one of the Celebration of Life models in Pink Aid Long Island’s 5^th Anniversary Luncheon and Fashion Show at Mitchells in Huntington. This vivacious beauty will strut the runway in joyous victory overcoming the past year of uncertainty knowing she has much to give. Her story and hope to educate others along with the love and connection she has found in her friend Maria is impossible to ignore. Together they embrace what we all need to do more of – help each other with compassion until there is a cure – for all women.