When I was 19, I found out that I was a carrier for the BRCA genetic mutation.  At 20, I had a life-changing bilateral mastectomy, which saved me from a lump that would have become cancer. Because of that experience, I have devoted my life so far to educating other young women, especially those with a family history like me, on how to care for themselves and their bodies.

I have also been working toward my doctorate for the last three years, and have similarly devoted my research to understanding the way women think about breast cancer and their health. My dissertation work aims to investigate the way women perceive breast cancer and breast health behaviors in ways that can feel important to self-esteem.

Here is where I need your help. Research can be expensive, even with grant money. In order for my research to reach the women who would benefit the most, I will have to recruit people online and pay them a fair wage for participating in my studies. Every penny will be put toward recruiting women for my dissertation work in order to get the best data possible.
Hopefully, my work will help to inform the way we communicate about breast cancer in a way that will encourage more women to feel empowered to take care of their bodies.

This work is so very important to me - it is my whole life.
I am so grateful for all of you and your support through my struggles with breast health and my struggles with academia!