Brandy is a ray of sunshine with the biggest smile that lights up the room. Her pride and joy is her family; her husband and two teenage sons. She leads by example by showing her sons the importance of hard work, dedication and never giving up. That took on a new meaning when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2026.
“My journey has reminded me just how important it is to have people in your corner and Go Jen Go has been exactly that for me and my family. From the financial assistance to the programming for me to learn, have fun and meet other grantees. I will never forget them.”
The Importance of a Mammogram
Brandy was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma (ER-positive, lymph-node positive breast cancer) on January 16, 2026, after her annual mammogram. She had no lump or noticeable symptoms, but her mammogram did exactly what it was supposed to do.
Just three short weeks later, she had her port placed and began chemotherapy on February 17, 2026. Her treatment has included 16 rounds of chemotherapy, two breast surgeries in August, including a lumpectomy with 17 lymph nodes removed, and 30 rounds of radiation to her left breast and lymph-node area. She ends radiation in early November and will transition to the medication phase of treatment which includes long-term hormone therapy and an additional medication, Kisqali, to help reduce her risk of recurrence.
Financial Struggles During Breast Cancer
A breast cancer diagnosis creates financial hardships, even if you are able to continue to work. Your medical bills increase and the everyday expenses and bills continue. For Brandy, she felt the struggle even while continuing to work as much as she could.
She shared, “I was working two jobs: my full-time job of 28 years and a part-time job. Although I had to reduce my hours, I continued working both jobs throughout this journey. Not because I wanted to, but out of necessity, the bills didn’t stop.
As a mother of two teenage boys, one of my biggest fears was how cancer would affect my children. I made a commitment that, as much as possible, nothing was going to change for my boys. Thankfully, Go Jen Go helped fill the financial gap when my work hours were reduced during chemotherapy, so my family never went without the things we needed.
Financially, this journey has been extremely challenging, and honestly, the financial burden continues. Even with insurance, the medical bills, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses add up quickly. My custom compression sleeve for lymphedema wasn’t covered by insurance because I hadn’t met my Tier 2 provider deductible, leaving me responsible for the full cost. You find yourself making difficult decisions about which bills to pay now and what can wait, all while trying to focus on getting better.”
Finding Support & Community
Brandy shared, “Go Jen Go and their community partners made such a difference for my family. Their financial assistance helped during my chemotherapy treatment when my work hours were reduced. That support helped me fill the gap in our household income, helped us keep up with basic expenses, and eased some of the financial stress during an incredibly difficult time. I am forever grateful because their support helped not just me, but my entire family. I will never forget that.”
For Brandy, Go Jen Go was so much more than financial assistance, helping take some of the weight off her shoulders when she was carrying so much and needing to focus on her health. She wants others to know about Go Jen Go, “Go Jen Go is the one of the best, most compassionate, and helpful organizations you will ever encounter. The Go Jen Go staff and volunteers genuinely care about people, and it shows in everything they do. They don’t just offer support; they make you feel seen and cared for. They are truly a blessing!”
A Night to Remember
Brandy was one of our Go Jen Go grantees that was able to attend this year’s My Breast Friend’s Wedding, a beneficiary event for our foundation. It was a wonderful night with about 30 grantees and their caregivers joining over 200+ women for an evening of networking, celebrating and support.
Brandy’s reflection of the evening, “My Breast Friends’ Wedding was nothing short of AMAZING! This was my first time attending and I was absolutely amazed and astonished by the beauty of the décor, the people, the food, and the entire experience. It is truly a night I will never forget!
One of the most special parts of the evening was that it was my FIRST time ever wearing a wedding gown! My husband and I got married at the courthouse 17 years ago, just before his second deployment to Afghanistan, so we never had a traditional wedding. I will always be grateful to Jessie for helping me choose my beautiful dress and making this moment even more special for me. At 50 years old, the little girl in me finally got her Cinderella moment! It was so much more than wearing a beautiful gown…it was an opportunity to experience something I had never experienced before and create a memory I will cherish forever. Thank you, Go Jen Go, for helping make that dream a reality!
I enjoyed every aspect of the event, from the pre-event shenanigans of getting dressed together in the hotel room, to fellowshipping with other grantees and supporters, to simply celebrating LIFE together. I had a permanent smile on my face the entire night! There was something so special about the atmosphere. It was as if JOY filled the entire space. I met new people, reconnected with friends, and soaked in every moment. The night was truly magical! One of my favorite parts was the energy in the room when I tossed the bouquet and seeing all the beautiful gowns, radiant smiles, and the pure joy everyone brought with them.
Every time I have had the opportunity to connect with my Go Jen Go family I am reminded of the importance of continuing to fight, continuing to connect, and continuing to be PRESENT in the moment. Each grantee has a unique journey with individual experiences and challenges but we share such a beautiful bond that connects us all.
My Breast Friends’ Wedding event was a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of difficult seasons there is still so much life to LIVE and so much more dancing on the dance floor to do. I left with a full heart that night and memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Words of Encourage for Others
Brandy wants to remind other survivors and thrivers, “Take it one day at a time, even just one step at a time. Some days will be harder than others for sure but you will make it! Most importantly, never lose hope.”
Thank you, Brandy for sharing your story of strength, connection and hope.
