Meet Faces of Hope Breast Cancer Survivor from Alexandria

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk of Washington, DC, takes place Saturday, October 14, 8am, at The Tidal Basin, followed by a post-walk party. We are proud to recognize Making Strides participant and breast cancer survivor Jill Sturge as one of the event's Faces of Hope ambassadors and thank her for allowing us to share her journey to inspire other survivors or those who have friends or family who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. To learn more or register for Making Strides of DC, go to: http://www.makingstrideswalk.org/washingtondc.

At age 43, Jill Sturge felt two lumps on her right breast, and immediately made an appointment with her gynecologist who ordered a mammogram. The diagnosis was stage 3 triple negative breast cancer.

Jill was treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a right breast mastectomy with lymph node removal. She had reconstruction, but due to a bad reaction to the implants, she lives cancer free with only one breast.

Jill says, “I continued to work full time as a conference manager during treatment, which was difficult, but I was determined to push through and not let cancer win.” Her mother’s support played a major role. “She would pour into my spirit with positive affirmations, attended my chemotherapy sessions, and found a way to make me laugh.

“What gives me hope is that more people are open to learning about breast cancer; more women are getting mammograms, and there have been medical advances. My diagnosis has inspired me to bring more awareness to the African American, Caribbean, and Latino communities.

“I discovered my lumps through self-exam, which saved my life. My breast cancer was spreading fast. Early detection is the key to beating and fighting breast cancer!”

To support Jill's Making Strides campaign, go to: https://secure.acsevents.org/s...

For more information about breast cancer, see www.cancer.org/breastcancer.