Thank you to Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director of Breast Cancer Alliance, for sharing her story with us this week! We appreciate your partnership and applaud your efforts in the field of breast cancer.
How has cancer impacted your life?
My grandfather was a breast cancer survivor. He was diagnosed before I was born and, following a mastectomy and the removal of one lymph node, was given 4-6 months to live. He died at 97, nearly 60 years beyond that prognosis. As I got older, while I was not diagnosed, both my aunt and great aunt and far too many friends, many under the age of 40, developed breast cancer – and too many of them succumbed to the disease. With today’s staggering statistic of 1 in every 8 women hearing that diagnosis in their lifetime, everyone has been touched by breast cancer in one way or the other. When I had the opportunity to apply to become the next Executive Director of Breast Cancer Alliance, I knew it would award me the chance to make a real, meaningful impact.
The mission of the Breast Cancer Alliance is to improve survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer through better prevention, early detection, treatment and cure. To promote these goals, we invest in innovative research, breast surgery fellowships, regional education, dignified support and screening for the underserved. What was once a local organization is now one making national impact through the breast surgeons who establish new practices in needy communities, and the novel, early stage critical research we fund through our scientific venture capital grants. In my role, I not only enjoy the opportunity to meet with and work alongside our remarkable donors, but I get to witness our impact firsthand as I visit every researcher, doctor and institution we fund. I am also a confidant and connector for so many women, and men, when they find themselves, or their loved ones facing a new diagnosis. It is incredibly fulfilling.
To learn more about Breast Cancer Alliance visit breastcanceralliance.org.
Please Save the Date to join the LWDF Movers for the BCA's Annual Walk/Run for Hope on Sunday, May 6th!
