A Planned Parenthood breast exam saved my life. It could save yours too. 

Two years ago, on Mother’s Day 2017, Joss Whedon released an amazing video in support of Planned Parenthood. His video, “UNLOCKED”, not only highlighted the vital role Planned Parenthood health centers play in the lives of millions of people, it encouraged me to do my first self-breast exam.

That video, and Planned Parenthood, saved my life. I found a lump and followed up with a screening at my local Planned Parenthood. They confirmed what I had found and referred me to a doctor who found stage 2 breast cancer.

As the Vice President of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood of South, East, and North Florida, I had an above average knowledge of our health care system, excellent benefits and the entire team of Planned Parenthood supporting me. Even with these things, I was scared.

At age 44 with two school aged boys, I was terrified of what this would mean for me and my family. My oncologist told me she was surprised I had detected the lump, due to its location and size, and acknowledged that the self-exam meant it had not spread as far as it could have.

I decided to have surgery (bilateral mastectomy) and am on a long term medication for people with this type of cancer. While the side effects are not pleasant, I am cancer free thanks to the health care and advocacy work central to Planned Parenthood’s mission.

While it is always difficult for me to share this very personal story so publicly, I do it in the hopes of inspiring others to share their experiences too and to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer. I don’t like to imagine how our patients’ lives would be different without access to the life-saving care provided at our health centers every day, and that includes breast exams and vital education on early detection. In fact, on October 2, 2023, all of our health centers will be providing free breast examinations and pap smears in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month for anyone that has an appointment. I hope you’ll consider making one, and sharing the event with your family and friends who want to get screened as well. You can visit the Event Page here for more information.

So that’s why I’m sharing my story – to highlight the important care we provide every day and how that care changes lives. And, in some cases, like mine, saves lives. 

Do you have a story of receiving expert, compassionate care at a Planned Parenthood health center? Sharing is an amazing way to uplift your voice and fight for access to reproductive health care.