Today’s wonderful blog shares Kirsty journey of discovering her BRCA2 mutation, the loss of her sister and finding the good, by giving back to help raise awareness and funds for BRCA+ Chat.
BRCA2- Fundraising And Finding The Good
For 40 odd years I had lived in blissful ignorance of BRCA, but when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 46, the realities of BRCA and cancer came crashing into my life.
My big sis
My big sis Kathryn died at 49 after her cancer was found to be incurable, and we had found out she had BRCA2. After she passed away I got myself tested and joined up the dots of my family history that were previously unknown to me- my paternal grandmother died when she was just 44 of breast cancer so we know she must have had the gene and it has been passed down.
My result came back positive for BRCA2 and while I was gutted, I knew that knowledge is power and I now had the chance to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of me going through what my lovely sister had had to suffer. So in June 2024 I had a DMX with DIEP reconstruction and earlier this year, as part of the protector study I had my fallopian tubes removed. I’ll get my ovaries removed when I’m closer to the age of a natural menopause.
Finding the good
BRCA+ Chat was a charity I found when researching on instagram for other people in my situation. I cannot tell you the reassurance, hope and information the website has given me. The online mastectomy gallery allowed me to picture how my body was going to change, and webinars have helped me realise you can still live a full life post- mastectomy.
When my husband Keith said he wanted to raise some money for a charity to motivate him into a fitness challenge, I suggested BRCA+ Chat. I love what the charity stands for, the girls that run it, and the positivity it spreads for the BRCA community.
My niece was also recently diagnosed with BRCA, and having two young children myself who are yet to be tested, I think BRCA+ Chat is a charity worth growing and supporting so it can be there for everyone who needs it.
Keith is not a gym bunny so this really is a challenge for him but I’m super proud of him for raising money for such an awesome charity very close to my heart. ❤️
Huge thanks to Kirsty for sharing your story, and we are incredibly grateful to husband Keith for his EPIC fundraising efforts. We appreciate you both and are sure that your story will resonate and inspire others.xxx
Keith’s fundraiser is still live and you can donate here.