I found a lump when I was 36 and decided I was going to stay calm. I contacted my gynecologist’s office and was surprised at the attention the word “lump” got. An appointment was found for me 90 minutes later, and they apologized for not being able to see me sooner. This urgency, delivered with excellent professionalism, validated deep, if unrecognized, worry without exacerbating worst fears. Over the course of the next four weeks, my case file moved seamlessly from one provider to the next. Though at one point it seemed as many as six offices were involved, they acted in concert and I was rarely, if ever, kept waiting more than a half day for an appointment.

The final diagnosis was stage two breast cancer and the compassionate willingness of providers to make and hold room in their schedules for just such cases meant I never spent a night wondering “what might happen next.”

The final diagnosis was stage two breast cancer and the compassionate willingness of providers to make and hold room in their schedules for just such cases meant I never spent a night wondering “what might happen next.” I always knew my next appointment was just around the corner. I was provided extensive information at every office, and providers were eager for me to understand when there was a decision that I could be making. This was critical in a process where there is so much changing so quickly over which you have no control. I believe my sense of helplessness was minimized in this way, freeing up my mind and spirit for the long road ahead.

Growing up in an underserved community in rural New Jersey in a household that could not afford to prioritize health care, I understood every day that much of the excellent care I received was not available and accessible to many in America.

Growing up in an underserved community in rural New Jersey in a household that could not afford to prioritize health care, I understood every day that much of the excellent care I received was not available and accessible to many in America. Excellent care matched with the ability to afford it made it possible for me, less than a year after the end of treatment, to run my first 5k race.