Written by NBCC Alaska Advocate Meadow Riedel
Science has mattered in every part of my breast cancer journey.
I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in 2022. Advances in treatment give me the best chance at a long life, and each time there is a new discovery in treatment a new weapon is added to my arsenal.
But science isn’t abstract — it’s personal. That’s why in 2024, my dear friend Tami and I traveled to Washington, D.C. with the National Breast Cancer Coalition to advocate for more funding to end breast cancer. Tami was living with metastatic disease, yet she focused on lifting me up and teaching me not to fear cancer.
Eight months after making that trip, we lost Tami to breast cancer.
Science prolonged Tami’s life and gave her more time with her children, husband, and friends. Science is our only hope to ensure our children don’t face this disease in their lifetimes.
This is why I advocate for research funding and why I will never stop demanding that elected leaders protect it.
