Young & Navigating Breast Cancer Together

In this episode, Katrina and guest co-host Aisha talk with Ricki from Touch BBCA. Touch BBCA is a Black Breast Cancer Alliance that drives the collaborative efforts of patients, survivors, advocates, advocacy organizations, health care professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies to work collectively, with accountability, towards the common goal of eradicating Black Breast Cancer. Ricki emphasizes the importance of Black data and clinical trials and shares resources for young women. Learn more about TOUCH Talk & Retreats, connect with a breast cancer survivor and join the Blesstie sisterhood and so much more at touchbbca.org.

For resources and additional information for young adults with breast cancer, visit the Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adult's website here.

Personal stories are shared for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

In this episode, Katie and guest co-host Sarah talk with Lisa, Brand Director from Elephants & Tea, whose mission is to help adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers know they are not alone in their experience with cancer. The Elephant in the room is cancer. Tea is the relief conversation provides. Their resources include:

• Providing the only magazine written for and by the AYA cancer community, telling their story in their own words.
• Providing healing through writing virtual workshops, where you can learn to use journaling as a form of self-therapy in a relaxed and safe environment.
• Providing a digital series called Perkatory – listen to the author read their story with a Q & A.

Make sure to check out all the programs and events are offered and so much more at elephantsandtea.org.

For resources and additional information for young adults with breast cancer, visit the Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adult's website here.

Personal stories are shared for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

In this episode, Katie and guest host Felicia talk with Sue, the founder of FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer EMPOWERED). They discuss FORCE's mission and hereditary cancer. Hereditary cancers are specific cancers that are caused by inherited genetic mutations.

FORCE works to support people and families affected by hereditary cancer. They offer information on genetic testing and genetic counseling, decision checklists & tip sheets, and many other resources. To combat misinformation, FORCE created XRAY ("eXamining the Relevance of Articles for You"), a tool that helps people understand cancer-related news in a trustworthy way. Felicia also shares her own experience as a hereditary cancer thriver and talks about her work with FORCE and their Peer Navigation Matching Program. This program connects individuals with trained volunteers who can help them make decisions about hereditary cancer or cancer risk. Learn more about FORCE at facingourrisk.org.

For resources and additional information for young adults with breast cancer, visit the Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adult's website here.

Personal stories are shared for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

In this episode, Katrina and guest host Erika talk with Michaela from Triage Cancer about topics such as how to navigate employment, insurance and finances through a cancer diagnosis. Triage Health's Legal & Financial Navigation Program provides answers to situations like when to disclose your diagnosis to an employer or estate planning. Triage has their information structured in a range of learning styles and formats like: animated video series, quick guides, Blogs, webinars, and conferences. Triage wants to be there for folks on their cancer journey from the day they find out about their diagnosis. Their goal is to help empower people to make the best financial decisions for them and their families.

For resources and additional information for young adults with breast cancer, visit the Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adult's website here.

Personal stories are shared for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

In this episode, Katie and Katrina talk with Carissa from Bright Spot Network about the challenges navigating a cancer diagnosis when you have young children. Bright Spot offers free resources for parents and guardians of young children who are on their cancer journey, including those diagnosed during pregnancy. Carissa highlights programs such as Virtual Support Groups and Meet-Ups for parents and supportive partners, and kid-focused resources like Bright Club & Bright Circle, the Teddy Bear Clinic, and Bright Reads. Carissa emphasizes that kids do better and worry less when they know what is going on. Bright Spot Network has resources to assist with talking about cancer in simple and age-appropriate way so kids can understand how things will change.

For resources and additional information for young adults with breast cancer, visit the Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adult's website here.

Personal stories are shared for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

In this episode, we sit down with Brooks Fuentes from the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) to explore what young breast cancer survivors face—from body image and dating after mastectomy to early menopause, fertility concerns, and financial stress. YSC offers powerful, free resources including summits, wellness summits, identity‑affirming support groups, Spanish‑language programs, and caregiver support. If you or someone you love is navigating breast cancer at 40 years old and younger, this episode is for you. Learn more at youngsurvival.org.

Personal stories are shared for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

In this episode, we spotlight Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), a national nonprofit providing trusted information and a strong community of support. Listeners will learn about upcoming conferences, the Reading for Reassurance book collection for families with children ages 4-17, and the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Fund, which offers financial assistance and referrals during treatment. We also highlight LBBC's leadership and volunteer advocacy trainings, along with the Breast Cancer Helpline (1‑888‑753‑5222), which connects callers with trained volunteers for peer support, emotional guidance, and real‑world insight. Together, these programs offer hope, resources, and meaningful connection so no one faces breast cancer alone.

For resources and additional information for young adults with breast cancer, visit the Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adult's website here.

Personal stories are shared for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.

For our first episode we're introducing our hosts, Katie, and Katrina, two women sharing their journeys with breast cancer and being diagnosed as young women:

Katie was diagnosed at 39 and has been living with stage 4 metastatic triple‑positive breast cancer for nine years. While cancer shapes her life, she refuses to let it define her.

Katrina was diagnosed with stage 3 HER2‑positive breast cancer at 30. After moving through aggressive treatment, participating in a clinical trial, and confronting medical mistrust, she embraced a "new normal."

Together, Katie and Katrina create a space of honesty, strength, and encouragement—reminding listeners that hope exists in community, in research, in science, and in the stories of others. Their message is clear: move past fear, pursue screenings, seek treatment, and know you're not alone.

For resources and additional information for young adults with breast cancer, visit the Program for Breast Cancer in Young Adult's website here.

Personal stories are shared for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.