Each October, Brooklyn observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the journey of individuals facing this challenging disease. Behind the campaigns and charity walks are real stories of courage and resilience from Brooklynites navigating the complexities of fear, treatment, and recovery while balancing jobs and family responsibilities. Three residents share their experiences of battling breast cancer, shedding light on the importance of community support and personal advocacy.
Personal Journeys Through Diagnosis and Treatment
For Kristina Teschner, a 44-year-old resident of Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, the journey began with a routine mammogram that led to a life-altering diagnosis. “I caught this extremely early,” Teschner recalled, reflecting on their diagnosis of stage zero DCIS breast cancer. The news was overwhelming, forcing Teschner to confront their mortality and navigate a medical system that often overlooks non-binary identities.
“I’m non-binary, so my experience during the process of choosing surgery and being in a breast cancer environment is inherently focused on women,” Teschner explained. After initial consultations and agreeing to a reconstruction procedure, they shifted direction upon further reflection, opting for an aesthetic flat closure instead. “I basically wrote my team an email and was like, ‘Change of plans,’” they said.
Teschner’s surgery confirmed the cancer had not spread. “It was my first and last mammogram, and now I am cancer-free,” they expressed. Despite the physical healing, Teschner noted the ongoing emotional and financial impacts of their experience. “People think, ‘You’re good now,’” they said. “I still need help. Just because I can walk around and be happy, it doesn’t go away.”
The Fight Against Cancer
For Sonaya Handberry, the diagnosis came just weeks before her 40th birthday. “I found out I had breast cancer on June 30 of this year,” she shared. Faced with stage two metastatic breast cancer, which had spread to her lymph nodes, Handberry described the moment as earth-shattering. “I never saw it coming,” she said, noting that she is the first person in her family to face this diagnosis.
Handberry’s journey through treatment has been arduous. “Chemotherapy takes a lot out of you quickly,” she stated, detailing her struggles with fatigue and nausea. Despite the challenges, she remains determined. “I can’t really leave the house because of my vulnerable immune system, so I spend a lot of time with my family,” Handberry mentioned. She credits therapy for helping her navigate the emotional toll of her diagnosis. “It’s been a safe space for me to unload all my thoughts and emotions,” she said.
Reflecting on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Handberry emphasized the collective struggle. “It’s all about the fight. Hopefully, next year I’ll be saying I’m cancer-free,” she expressed, acknowledging the support from her family and friends. “I didn’t even realize I had a village until my village appeared around me,” she concluded.
Chloe Effron, a 33-year-old graphic designer from Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, also faced a rapid diagnosis. “We first noticed a lump at the end of July, and by the first weeks of August, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she recounted. The situation escalated quickly, and by the end of August, she learned her cancer was stage four.
Effron’s experience has been marked by extensive medical appointments and treatment. “I feel really fortunate for my family,” she stated, highlighting the support from her brother, who has taken on the role of “remote caretaker,” managing her finances and scheduling. “It’s everything I could have asked for,” she added, referring to the community support that has rallied around her.
Through the challenges, Effron has embraced the importance of accepting help. “It’s really hard to take and accept help, especially when you’re trying to be independent,” she acknowledged. Her experience has prompted others in her network to prioritize their health, with friends scheduling mammograms after hearing her story.
“I didn’t even realize I had a village until my village appeared around me,” Effron reflected, emphasizing the strength found in community. She remains focused on navigating her treatment with a positive outlook. “It’s really scary, and it’s okay to be scared,” she said, underscoring the emotional journey intertwined with physical recovery.
As Brooklyn commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month, these stories of resilience and advocacy highlight the essential role of community support in the fight against cancer. Each individual’s journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the collective fight for survival and healing.