Our "A Calendar to Live By" features 11 survivors we serve through Here for the Girls programs and their inspiring, uplifting stories about their cancer journey. Get to know this month's model, Newsha! (If our calendar isn't hanging on your wall right now, click here to get one.)
Ms. January: Newsha
41, diagnosed at 39
1st degree family history – no known genetic mutation
Preparing to move your family to a new city is a huge strain. Imagine in the midst of it, finding a lump in your breast, as happened to Newsha! During testing, she wasn’t too worried. “I didn’t think this would turn out to be cancer,” she recalls. So when diagnosed with stage II triple positive breast cancer, she was shocked and terrified but immediately found herself embraced by family and friends, including her mother, a breast cancer survivor. After moving to Richmond with her husband and young daughter, she began treatment—chemotherapy and a double mastectomy with reconstruction—and was embraced by the Beyond Boobs! group there. Newsha, who is from a large Iranian-American family, learned what a generous and thoughtful community she has. “Family, old friends, new neighbors, and my BB! group taught me what is paramount in life: relationships, family and friends. I also learned the valuable lesson of accepting help, which has always been a struggle for me." Now Newsha is quick to reach out to new members so they too feel welcomed and supported, especially if they’re new to the area. Choosing to be a calendar model was a way for Newsha to challenge herself and celebrate her strength.