Inspirational Keynotes at NCoBC 2024
A Sponsored Post with MOLLI Surgical
In March 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC) Annual Conference with MOLLI Surgical. I signed copies of my book “A Breast Cancer Journey: Living It One Step at a Time” at their booth- which was amazing. Another highlight of the weekend was listening to two inspirational keynote sessions at the beginning of each day.
Here are the other two posts in this series:
Saturday Keynote:
Dr. Rachel Brem & Dr. Christy Teal—No Longer Radical
Dr. Rachel Brem and Dr. Christy Teal presented Saturday morning’s keynote. They are authors of the book “No Longer Radical: Understanding Mastectomies and Choosing the Right Breast Cancer Care for You,” published in the spring of 2023.
I was captivated by each of their personal stories. Dr. Rachel Brem is a breast radiologist who was already planning on getting a prophylactic mastectomy due to her family history of breast cancer.
Then, she discovered her own breast cancer while testing some new ultrasound equipment.
What a shock!
Suddenly, she was having a mastectomy to remove breast cancer and was going to need more extensive treatment.
One of the most memorable lines from Dr. Brem was on decision-making, which is such a difficult part of treatment. When we are asked what surgery we want, often the answer we want to respond with is: “Well, I really don’t want to have breast cancer.”
Dr. Christy Teal is a breast surgeon who decided to have a prophylactic mastectomy because of her family history of breast cancer and her breast density. She shared in detail what it was like to go from surgeon to patient and back again.
They also shared the mission and work of the Brem Foundation, which focuses on the early detection of breast cancer through education, access, and advocacy.
I enjoyed their keynote immensely and was only disappointed that I didn’t have the opportunity to thank them both personally for educating and inspiring us in the audience!
Sunday Keynote:
Maimah Karmo— Founder of the Tigerlily Foundation & Breast Cancer Survivor
On Sunday morning, Maimah Karmo gave the keynote address. Maimah is powerful and inspiring, and I knew the session would be impactful.
Maimah Karmo is a breast cancer survivor, advocate, and founder of the Tigerlily Foundation. She has previously appeared on Breast Practices (episode here). When I learned she was speaking at NCoBC, I was so excited! I knew it would be an inspirational time.
Maimah opened by sharing her personal story of adversity as she grew up in Liberia, moved to the United States, and became an advocate for her health during her diagnosis of breast cancer.
Over and over, she was told that she was too young for breast cancer — since she was under 40. Doctors wouldn’t biopsy the lump she’d discovered through her self-exams and told her to come back when she was “old enough” to get breast cancer.
If she had listened, she may have died.
Finally, through her powerful self-advocacy and a supportive medical team, the lump was biopsied.
It was aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. She was 32 years old and the mom of a young daughter.
Black women die from breast cancer at a much higher rate than white women. Discussing and transforming this disparity has become Maimah’s life purpose through her inspirational work.
Her vision, passion, and compelling message inspired and moved us.
I enjoyed the opportunity to greet Maimah after her session (even if our enthusiasm might have disturbed the ongoing learning inside the main conference room). Make sure to give her a follow on Instagram– she inspires us daily!
Power in Our Storytelling
When we dare to tell our stories, especially those of adversity and challenge, we can change our listeners’ futures. As I reflect on the keynotes at NCoBC, I’m grateful for each of the speakers who were willing to share their stories with us. The details of our breast cancer experiences may be different, yet we share a commitment to help those who are just beginning their journeys.
Powerful storytelling can provide hope and light to us as we navigate through the difficulties of breast cancer.
Jennifer Douglas
Jennifer is the author of "A Breast Cancer Journey: Living it One Step at a Time," breast cancer survivor, and patient advocate. Her book, published in 2023 by Bold Story Press, is an encouraging guide for breast cancer patients. It contains first-hand information, organized by topics, to help readers navigate the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from breast cancer. Her writing emphasizes emotional, mental, and physical well-being along with empowered decision-making.
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