Thank you for visiting my page and for taking the time to read Louise's story. 

The courage Louise has shown during the last year inspired me to apply for a place through Breast Cancer Now to (try!) and run the London Marathon and help achieve their ambition that by 2050, everyone who develops breast cancer will live.

Cancer has always been a part of Louise's family. Louise never met her Grandma on her mother's side, Rosie, as she died of breast cancer in her 40's. In early 2016 one of Rosie’s 3 sisters was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer and it was confirmed that she had the BRCA gene mutation. Women with harmful mutations in the BRCA genes have a risk of breast cancer that is 5 times above the normal risk, and a risk of ovarian cancer that is about 10/30 times normal. Rosie had the same test and was found to have the mutation. By this time another of Rosie’s sister was also found to have fallopian tube cancer, and the same mutation. 

Ever the brave friend that she is, Louise without hesitation had the test herself. When she was also tested positive, discussions began in September ‘16 about her preventative treatment and a double mastectomy was booked for early 2017. As part of a routine mammogram to prepare for the process it was discovered that Louise had a small but aggressive breast cancer. Even before her Louise’s treatment started, the family received news that Rosie needed treatment for ovarian cancer. It was confirmed that Louise, her mum and her 2 aunties were all going to be undergoing chemo at the same time.

I am completely overwhelmed by Louise’s strength and bravery during the past year. Her battle to overcome her breast cancer has been both emotionally and physically gruelling. Louise had a clear reason to peruse her potential diagnosis with support from the hospital but many women remain unaware of the symptoms of breast cancer or access to help a diagnosis. The work Breast Cancer Now are undertaking to ensure that a screening programme is available to 35-39 year olds who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer due to a family history as in Louise’s case, could literally save lives. Louise’s cancer had reached stage 3 by the time she was diagnosed and she was suffering no obvious symptoms. There needs to be better methods in place to help detect breast cancer in its early stages through screening. 

My fundraising will also help the work Breast Cancer Now are undertaking to understand the how genetic faults in the BRCA genes affect the risk of developing risk cancer for both male and females. This type of research could greatly impact the future generations of Louise’s family.

Thank you for your support.

Jane xx