Macey’s Story
At age 29, Macey was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma; breast cancer. After 8 rounds of chemotherapy and additional testing, Macey tested positive for the BRCA2 gene (breast cancer gene). Shortly after, she had a bilateral mastectomy. This meant she had to make the difficult choice to remove both breasts and nipples.
Unfortunately, after surgery her diagnosis changed to Stage 3C, which meant her tumor had grown and spread. This led to more chemo and 32 radiation treatments. About a year after her cancer journey had begun, a CT scan showed that the cancer had spread to her lungs and liver. At age 30, she had advanced to Stage IV metastatic breast cancer and was given 6 – 18 months to live.
Macey’s words say it best:
“This battle, this journey hasn’t been easy, but having a relationship with God, and a good support system has helped tremendously. Without God and my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Life is so clear, and everything around me makes perfect sense. Even in my darkest hour, I can see the beauty in everything.
I never in a million years would have thought I’d have breast cancer to start my thirties, but if my diagnosis can save another life, then it’s definitely worth it. Early detection can save your life. If breast cancer runs in your family, you’re never too young to get it and you should be doing monthly breast exams at home. The type of cancer I have is the most aggressive type of breast cancer you can have, so I’m extremely grateful I found it when I did.”
Macey applied with Hope & Olive in October of 2020 and received permanent makeup eyebrows at Symetrie in December of 2020. Imagine going through months of treatment and losing pieces of yourself, and your self-confidence, along the way.
Through your donations and support, we are able to support our recipients at no cost to them. To give them a piece of themselves back. To restore their confidence and rejuvenate their spirit.
THAT is the Hope & Olive mission. We are 100% funded by donor support and we need your support to keep building the confidence back up where it has been lost.