After a routine mammogram on July 26th, 2024, I received a call about an abnormal result, was called back for a follow-up ultrasound and biopsy, and got the call on August 2nd that no one wants to get. Breast cancer. More specifically, triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma. My head was spinning. I was completely terrified and completely overwhelmed. What I wasn’t was alone. My diagnosis was delivered by my newly assigned care navigator – a specialty nurse who informed me, supported me, and got the ball rolling. While Ryan and I shared this news with family and close friends and worried about how we were going to tell Ellie and Mason, my nurse navigator was offering information about all the services The Cancer Institute had to offer. She shared resources for the kids and explained an integrative cancer program offering a variety of self-care experiences for cancer patients (cooking classes, a free wig program, massages, mani-pedis, acupuncture, etc.). She assigned me to a treatment team – an amazing oncologist, surgeon, and radiologist – and scheduled initial consultations and testing appointments. She is available to me at any time and reaches out to collaborate with me each time I enter a new phase of treatment. My confidence in, and comfort with, my team cannot be overstated. They are intelligent, informative, and supportive. They let me cry and laugh at Ryan’s inappropriate jokes (“Breast navigator? That was his nickname in college.”). The nurses, techs, assistants, and schedulers greet me with a smile. They ask about my family, how we spend the holidays, and how I’m holding up. They are all on this journey with me. I am not done with my treatment yet, but the hardest parts are behind me and there are no other people I’d rather have on my team. The AHN Cancer Institute in Wexford has given me so much, and I am honored that Sean is giving me this opportunity to give back to them. If you have the means and are so inclined, please consider donating to this the amazing place that saved my life.