This year, approximately 10,000 women younger than 40 will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Kimberly Hackett was 38 when she was diagnosed.
“I have a family history of breast cancer. My mother and aunt were both diagnosed a short time before I was,” says Hackett. “But I was still shocked when I received my diagnosis. It was extremely difficult breaking the news to my two young sons.”
Hackett was treated at the UConn Health Center where she received care from a team of experts. “I chose UConn because it is a teaching hospital and they know the latest research and treatments.”
Health Center oncologist, Dr. Susan Tannenbaum, was one of Hackett’s doctors. “Kim knew she was at higher risk because of her family history so she was proactive about her health and did regular breast self exams.”
Hackett found her breast lump in its early stages and Tannenbaum says breast cancer detected early is very treatable.
UConn’s team of specialists helped Hackett conquer her cancer. Now she is giving back —by becoming an American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery volunteer. She works closely with Pam Nixon, the William Raveis – American Cancer Society patient navigator, based at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“I felt so connected to my team of caregivers that I wanted to be part of the UConn team,” says Hackett. “And because I’m a survivor, I think I can offer patient’s real hope and advice to get them through this difficult stage of their life.”
Together with Nixon and Lynn Brown, Purchasing Department, Hackett will lead the Health Center team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, October 23. The Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center is once again proud to sponsor Making Strides – a spirited, non-competitive five mile walk through Bushnell Park in Hartford. More than 7,000 people are expected to participate in this year’s event.
Registration is free and the first 50 people to join the Health Center team will receive a free tee-shirt.
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