After every woman in her family had faced cancer, Krystal Barter underwent genetic testing at the age of 22, returning a positive result for the BRCA gene, bringing with it an 80% risk of breast cancer and a 60% risk of ovarian cancer.

Following Krystal's discovery of her increased risk, the next few years were filled with anxiety as she navigated the choices and options available to her. It was during this time Krystal realised there was no unique organisation focused on the needs of families facing an increased risk of cancer.

At only 25, with a husband and young family, Krystal made the difficult decision to break the cycle of cancer that plagued her family. Krystal had a preventative double mastectomy in 2009, making her one of the first Australian women to publicly share her story and preventative surgery, giving a face and awareness to BRCA and prevention.

As she lay in her hospital bed recovering from her double mastectomy, Krystal picked up her laptop and created an organisation for women just like her. That is when Pink Hope was born.

Ten years on, Pink Hope is now one of the fastest growing organisations in the country focusing on breast and ovarian preventative health and personalised support for at-risk women. Krystal and the Pink Hope team have truly made a national and now global difference to those they support.

You can learn more about Krystal and Pink Hope at https://pinkhope.org.au