Linda M., Fort Bragg, California

Age: 50

I'm 50, and married with four kids. I'm BRCA2 positive.

I'm more than my risk… some fun facts about myself:

Favorite book / authors:
Charlotte's Web

Other favorites?
I love the children's book, "Charlotte's Web." It's such a beautifully simple book about life.

The celebrity I would love to meet is Ellen DeGeneres. She is such a genuine and funny lady.

Add your Voice

If you'd like to add your own story to our Voices of FORCE pages, please complete our Voices of FORCE form.

My journey

Found out about BRCA2+ status between 6 months to 1 year ago. Tested because my paternal Grandmother and sister had breast cancer. Father had colon and kidney cancer. I have had breast cancer twice – two primaries. Had an OOPH/ hysterectomy, and a failed TRAM reconstruction.

The hardest part of my journey

Telling my children I had cancer, both times. Chemo was NO picnic!

If I could do it over again

I would have had a bilateral mastectomy the first time.

Other thoughts

I believe my five surgeries in 15 months were for a reason. Because of them, I learned I am BRCA2+ and now my siblings, children and grandchildren have the knowledge to make decisions about their health.

I have four phenomenal children and three beautiful granddaughters, who I plan to watch grow up!