Meet Ana

After playful teasing from her son about whether she was strong enough to carry a bag of mulch, she grabbed the bag and held it close to her chest, only to immediately feel pain in her breast. After putting the mulch down, she felt a lump, but dismissed it as a possible injury from attempting to carry such a heavy bag.

The following day, she felt the lump again, only this time she brought it to her husband’s attention. Together, they decided that she needed to see a doctor.

Ana was only 37 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. She would need chemotherapy, radiation, and ultimately, a double mastectomy. Going through treatment for any patient is difficult, but during COVID, it meant learning her diagnosis and facing each doctor’s appointment, every treatment, and hospital stay alone.

“My three boys are my reason for staying positive through the whole process,” says Ana. “I had to keep going, for them.”

Her family lifted her spirits throughout her journey, while The Rose helped Ana and her family by navigating them through the labyrinth of breast healthcare while she underwent costly treatment. Thanks to The Rose, Ana could focus on tackling breast cancer and her recovery, knowing that our team was available to assist every step of the way.

“I am so grateful to The Rose for leading me to the right resources, I’m so blessed,” says Ana.

Describing finding her cancer as a “miracle,” Ana is now an advocate for breast self-exams and regular mammograms.

“Check yourself because it can be a lifesaver,” says Ana. “If it happened to me, it can happen to you. Mammograms save lives.”