Jennifer Levinson’s Story

I am a wife, a mother and a 10-year employee of the NBA and WNBA. I am also a 2-year survivor of breast cancer, diagnosed at age 34. I learned the hard way that young women CAN and DO get breast cancer. I have also learned that lack of family history and a healthy lifestyle don�t necessarily protect you from breast cancer.

Two years ago I felt a lump and had a mammogram. That was the day my life changed forever. For my husband, lightning struck twice because his mother died of breast cancer.

Since my diagnosis I have undergone a bi-lateral mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, 6 months of chemotherapy and another year of weekly IV treatments. I have learned that the way to cope with this terrifying disease is to get involved in the BC cause and help others in the same way that I was helped after my diagnosis. I am an active member of the Young Survival Coalition, the only organization that addresses the unique issues that face young women with BC; dating after diagnosis, juggling small children while undergoing treatment and cancers that are usually more aggressive. It was comforting for me to find that I was not alone as a young woman with BC and I hope to reach other young women in my community to ensure that they feel the same sense of comfort. I also feel that it is important for every woman to take charge of her breast health by doing monthly BSEs, getting an annual clinical exam and getting a mammogram starting at age 40. I am so proud that the company I work for has also chosen this as an important initiative!

All women should know that if they feel a lump they should get it checked out and that they don�t let any doctor tell them not to worry about a lump because they are �too young� for breast cancer. Young survivors may make up a small part of the BC community, but we all found out the hard way that we were not too young for this disease.

My mantra from the beginning has been FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT and I will continue to do that and to advocate for breast cancer research until we find a way to cure and prevent this disease. I want my 3 year old son to grow up knowing that he doesn�t have to worry about his wife or daughter being diagnosed with breast cancer.