As we approach Mother’s Day, we’re taking a moment to acknowledge the many paths to motherhood – and the strength it takes to walk it after a breast cancer diagnosis.
For many of our brave young women, breast cancer didn’t just impact their health – it impacted their journey, and sometimes ability, to be a mum.
This week, we’re sharing the personal stories of a few of our incredible So Brave women – women diagnosed under 40, whose experiences of motherhood were forever changed by breast cancer.
Here are just a few snippets:
Regina
“Initially, it was a very scary time—you know, the unknown, knowing if I would be here and be well for my children as they grow older.”
“That fear still lives with me today. The fear of recurrence is still really real.”
“But on the flip side, it makes me really enjoy every moment I have with my boys, makes me really cherish every minute, every second of the day—and not take anything for granted.”
“Those little smiles on my little boys’ faces every day—there was always a reason to laugh or smile with two little boys around.”
“To all young mums faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, I just want to say: you’ve got this. Hang in there. Take one day at a time. Lean on the supports that are around you. Remember that you are loved, and you are needed, and you are special and wanted. You’ve got this. Good luck.”
Aleisha
“My son was about 18 months old at the time, and obviously it (cancer diagnosis) came as quite a shock.”
“All I could think about was his future and whether I was going to be able to see it.”
“I also grew up as a huge Buffy fan. And there was one quote that would always stick in my mind during hard times and it definitely has kept me going through this journey.”
“Strong is fighting. It’s hard, and it’s painful, and it’s everyday, but it’s what we have to do. And we can do it together.”
“You don’t know how much strength you have inside you. It will come from nowhere when you least expect it.”
“While you can pull the strength from within, you shouldn’t be doing it alone. And you don’t have to do it alone. We’re all here for you.”
This Mother’s Day, we honour every story.
Whether you’re a mum, hope to be, or carry a different version of motherhood in your heart – we see you. And at So Brave, we’re here to support you.
Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate by age – but too often, young women’s voices are missing from the conversation.
This Mother’s Day, let’s acknowledge and celebrate these amazing women and ensure no one walks this path alone.
You can watch these stories on the So Brave social media channels throughout the week: