Written by NBCC California Advocate Carey Carpenter
I truly believe I owe my life to NBCC. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34, my children were only 1 and 3. The type of cancer I had was HER2-positive, once considered the deadliest form of breast cancer. Just ten years earlier, there were few options and little hope.
But everything changed thanks to the work of Dr. Dennis Slamon at UCLA and the advocacy efforts of NBCC, which led to the creation of the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program. That program funded the groundbreaking research that led to Herceptin, the therapy that transformed HER2-positive breast cancer from one of the deadliest into one of the most treatable. NBCC was involved in the clinical trial at every level. Due to our patient advocate involvement, the treatment was available two years sooner.
I know, with all my heart, that without that research and NBCC’s relentless advocacy, I would not be here today. Fifteen years after my diagnosis, I am alive to celebrate every milestone with my children, including watching my son get ready for his senior homecoming dance last weekend. Every holiday, every birthday, every hug is precious, and I will never take a single moment for granted.
But today, research that saves lives is under attack. Congress is making dangerous cuts that threaten the very breakthroughs that saved me and countless others. Without immediate support, current and future patients could lose access to clinical trials and lifesaving treatments, and the hope of new therapies.
This holiday season, I am asking you to join me in supporting NBCC and breast cancer research. By standing with NBCC, you can help protect critical research funding and ensure the fight continues. Your gift fuels advocacy in Washington, D.C. and supports NBCC’s own research program, the Artemis Project, which will test its first phase-one preventive vaccine this spring.
Help NBCC save the research that saves the lives of those like Carey. Your generous gift today can make a real difference. Donate today and your impact will be doubled.
