Real Talk About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can be one of the toughest experiences anyone can face, but it can also be a transformative journey. While both the physical and emotional challenges are daunting, the path to healing offers a chance to rediscover resilience and joy in unexpected ways. Today, we are excited to welcome Aastha Saggar, a stage 3 breast cancer survivor and the founder of Still Strength Wellness, where she helps survivors, patients and caregivers reclaim peace, strength, and purpose. Aastha believes that rebuilding energy and vitality is not just possible but can be a beautiful new beginning. Get ready to be inspired as she shares her personal story, along with practical strategies that will empower our listeners to not only survive but thrive.

For many Americans, health insurance open enrollment is underway. They’re deciding which coverage they need and how they can afford out-of-pocket expenses. They may be learning about high-deductible plans, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and so many other options when it comes to health insurance. So how do you know which plan is right for you? Joining me today is Valerie Nelson, manager of federal policy and advocacy at Susan G. Komen, and Mari Montesano, a manager at Komen’s Breast Care Helpline, who assists individuals in need of information, support or help navigating their breast health issues.

Today on Real Pink, we are joined by someone w ho knows what it means to care deeply for others and what it feels like when life suddenly requires that same care and compassion be turned inward. She’s a devoted mother and caregiver to her son, and when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found that she was more mentally prepared to navigate it than expected. Sabrina Thomas is here to tell her story, including how she advocated for herself and learned to accept help from others when she’s so used to being the one who gives it. This conversation is a reminder that strength comes in many forms.

Welcome to the Komen Health Equity Revolution podcast series on Real Pink. Each month, we bring together patients, community partners, health care providers, researchers and advocates to talk about real challenges and real solutions driving the health equity revolution. Together, we’re working to close the gaps and create a future of breast health equity for all. We are honored to be joined by Guerdy Abraira. You may know her from The Real Housewives of Miami, but beyond the cameras, Guerdy has shown incredible strength and resilience as a breast cancer survivor. This National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re talking about the power of sharing your story, building community and why organizations like Susan G. Komen are committed to ensuring that no one faces breast cancer alone.

Today we are speaking with a family who only knows life with breast cancer. With a strong family history of both breast cancer and BRCA gene mutations on the maternal side, everyone has always wondered “when”, not “if” breast cancer would affect them too. When Kathryn was diagnosed in her early 30’s like her mother was, it unveiled the difficulties of being diagnosed as a young woman. It also spurred a series of decisions by her two sisters, one of which is her twin. This is a story of support, empowerment, struggle, guilt and pain, but most of all, family. Today we welcome sisters Kathryn, Christine and Cara and their mom Vicki to the show to talk about experiences.

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer gets more attention and that is a great thing for fundraising, awareness and early detection. However, for those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer, this month can be hard – and sometimes feel triggering and isolating. The widespread focus is often on screenings and celebrating survivors living a life free from cancer, which is not the reality for those with metastatic disease. Today, on MBC Awareness Day, we are excited to welcome Ashley Fernendez back to the show to talk about her lived experiences, how she seeks support and what she wants people to know about living with Metastatic Breast Cancer.