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My name is Stacie C. I’ve been with Ralphs for 24 years. And I am a 5-year breast cancer survivor.
When I was first diagnosed in 2004, I was frightened—very scared. My initial reaction was disbelief. I was a 36-year-old Pilates instructor, and I believed this was a disease that women were supposed to get later in life, in their 50s and 60s. That’s obviously not true.
Early detection can save your life. Get checked today!
As women, we feel like we can do anything—work, take care of families and handle it all. Me, I'm terrible at asking for help. But all of a sudden, there you are having to rely on others. If I can impart any advice, it’s to let people help you. Fortunately, I had a wonderful support system of family, friends and co-workers who were there for me every step of the way.
We all know our bodies, we really do – some more than others. But, if there is something wrong, you have to follow that intuition and act on it. Do your self-exams, it's so important. Early detection can save your life. I’m even pushing my 24-year-old niece to start checking routinely and see her doctor annually.
It's not that I am defined by breast cancer, it’s that breast cancer is now a part of me. But I'm still me, I’m still Stacie.
- Stacie
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