ConnectedByBreastCancer

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Kelly Key

Kelly Key is a luxury hospitality recruiter based in Seattle, Washington. She was traveling full-time in an RV before she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in June 2022 at age 33. She was treated with chemotherapy and surgery followed by radiation. She is currently undergoing more chemotherapy to prevent reoccurrence. Kelly shares her story on Instagram, where she connects with other young women going through similar experiences.

Latrese Thomas

Latrese Thomas was born and raised in the midwest before settling down in sunny Florida. She was diagnosed with multicentric stage 0 ductal carcinoma at age 41 after doing a breast self-exam and discovering a lump. This came 1 month after a clear mammogram. She is committed to ensuring Black women are advocating for themselves, especially in the healthcare space.

Rebekah Jensen

Rebekah Jensen is the founder of Sanara, a plant-based skin care line that celebrates indigenous Latin American botanicals. Having lived with psoriasis since she was a teenager, Rebekah began creating her own skin care products in her mid-30s, and Sanara was born. Rebekah was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39 and underwent a mastectomy. Earlier this year, she learned her cancer had returned. Rebekah shares her story on Instagram, where she discusses the importance of knowing your body and advocating for your health.

Kelly Key

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Karli

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Kenneth Nelson

Kenneth Nelson was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2018 at the age of 33. In the midst of a thriving career in California, he at first decided to hide his diagnosis. After challenging rounds of treatment, Nelson chose to become an advocate for his own healing. He became a public spokesperson on behalf of men with breast cancer and raises awareness about treatment disparities for Black women and men. Nelson now lives in New York.

"HIV is not just a gay man’s issue. If you’re having sex, of any kind, then you need to be aware of HIV and taking the steps necessary to protect yourself," he says.

"The younger generations need to take it upon themselves to seek out information and ask for certain services. This may include asking your doctor for an HIV test, PrEP, or any other sexual health service."

Current age: 33 Age at diagnosis: 33 Location: Seattle, Washington

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Latrese Thomas

Current age: 41 Age at diagnosis: 41 Location: Tampa, Florida

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Rebekah Jensen

Current age: 41 Age at diagnosis: 39 Location: Austin, Texas

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Kenneth Nelson

Current age: 38 Age at diagnosis: 33 Location: New York

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