Eight years ago I was 21 years old, in college, preparing for my future, and having a great time. One day I noticed something unexpected. I found a lump in my breast. Within the next couple of days I headed off to the student health center where I was examined by a doctor. They explained that I was really too young for breast cancer especially given the fact that I had absolutely no family history of the disease. Just to be on the safe side they sent me for an ultrasound and sent me to a surgeon.

When I saw the surgeon he did a quick exam and said the lump was in fact solid, but not to worry it was probably just a fibrous abnormality. He asked me to come back one more time a few months later where he declared that I had nothing to worry about and there was no reason to see him again. I did not know that every palpable lump should be biopsied. I did not realize that only ten percent of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients have a family history of the disease. Most importantly, I did not realize that I had been severely discriminated against because of my age.

Three years later, I was a grad student with aspirations of earning a PhD. One weekend I went up north to visit my parents. On my way up their porch stairs I sneezed. When I sneezed my L3 vertebrae collapsed. It turned out, after much testing, that I had tumors inside of and weakening most of my bones. The lump that I wasn't supposed to worry about was breast cancer. I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, or breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast.

There is currently no cure for stage IV breast cancer. There are treatments, but I have to be treated the rest of my life or until we find a cure. When I was diagnosed only 16% of patients with stage IV breast cancer survived five years.

Last January I celebrated my five year survival anniversary. Since my diagnosis I have had several types of chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, multiple surgeries, and I have participated in several clinical trials. I am currently receiving a common chemotherapy and a trial drug so new that it does not even have a name.

I owe my survival to the people who donate to breast cancer research. Without new treatments being continually explored, I would not be here. My family and friends provide tremendous support.

Having breast cancer motivates me to share my story and increase awareness of breast cancer - especially in young women. My husband and I do everything we can to help raise money for Susan G. Komen. We walk and fundraise for Race for the Cure, a 5K run/walk or one one mile walk, and the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. The Susan G Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a 60 mile walk over the course of three days, and each participant must raise a minimum of $2,300. To date I have raised over $15,000, and I have no plans of stopping.

Having breast cancer has been a challenge. Bone tumors are painful, I have very limited energy, and of course I often do not feel well after my treatments. In spite of the challenges, I strive to maintain a positive attitude and an active lifestyle. I have opted to live a low stress lifestyle, so I have not returned to school or work. I plan to keep on living and challenge the boundaries of new treatments. With the help of generous and caring individuals, doctors, scientists, and organizations like Susan G. Komen, we can find a cure.